More than 1,100 pupils at Dr B.W. Vilakazi Primary School in Groutville, Stanger, received meals, care and encouragement on World Hunger Day as employees from SASKO and PepsiCo South Africa spent the morning preparing and serving sandwiches, cold drinks and snacks to learners.
The initiative formed part of the companies’ corporate social investment programme aimed at fighting hunger while also promoting anti-bullying messages and creating safe spaces for children to play and feel valued. Beyond the sandwich drive, the activation turned into a morning filled with laughter, games and meaningful interaction between employees, volunteers, families and learners.
The programme focused on creating moments of care and connection while ensuring vulnerable children feel seen, supported and nourished.Speaking during the event, SASKO representative Mthokozisi Dlamini said the company shares a long-standing relationship with the school and surrounding community. “We have visited this school before. It was one of the schools that won our recycling competition called Collect a Bag.
This school is part of our community as a bakery of the people. We are here to help less fortunate children,” said Dlamini.He added that SASKO has already built more than 1,000 jungle gym playgrounds across communities as part of its efforts to support children’s development and wellbeing. “World Hunger Day reminds us to continue sending a message to community members to love one another and stop bullying,” he said.
Dr B.W. Vilakazi Primary School principal Thubelihle Magwaza welcomed the continued support from the company, saying the partnership has already made a visible impact on the school. “Our relationship with SASKO started long ago. They helped us with a jungle gym for our foundation phase pupils, and as you can see, the children are very excited. I wish this relationship continues in whatever we do so that teaching and learning can become easier,” said Magwaza.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
