World Food Day is celebrated globally on the 16th of October every year to raise awareness of issues behind poverty and hunger and ensure the need for food security and nutritious diets for all. The day is memorialized widely by governments and many other organisations around the world concerned with the production, preservation and distribution of food to ensure food security. The worldwide event recognizes the need to help those in hunger and provide food security for everyone, especially in difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
This significant day is celebrated by more than 150 countries around the world. This year’s celebration in South Africa saw Mamelodi Sundowns partner up with FoodForwardSA to donate food parcels to Thandanani Drop Inn Centre in Mamelodi. The technical team, players and staff of Masandawana were on hand at the FoodForward Warehouse in Kempton park to organize the various food packages before heading to Mamelodi to deliver the items to Thandanani, who provide immense support to many young children in need.
Coach Rulani Mokwena was full of praise for the initiative and spoke highly of the timely partnership between both brands.
“We are in a position of privilege and therefore it is very important to give back as much as we can. I want to thank the club for this fantastic initiative. Mamelodi Sundowns is a club from the community and it is good to come back and share with them as they love this team so much. Thanks to FoodfowardSA for partnering with us and lastly to Thandanani Drop Inn Centre for opening their gates to us.”
The theme for the day this year is Our Actions are our future. Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better life.
Coach Steve Komphela, also shared a message of the importance of extending a helping hand: “For those who are blessed, they need to bless others in turn. Also, those who are fortunate enough to be capable of stretching their hands should endeavour to do so, just like Mamelodi Sundowns is doing. It is always better to be there for those that need help because we are all humans at the end of the day. Whether you are a player or a coach, we must be able to help one another.”
FoodForwardsSA is the largest food redistribution organisation in South Africa. They aim to reduce hunger in South Africa by safely and cost-effectively securing quality food and making it available to those who need it.
Johannesburg Branch Manager, Pierre Breswick expressed his delight regarding the partnership formed with Bafana Ba Style: “It is fantastic to see two brands that are so good at what they do come together because working hand-in-hand can do wonders. It is a privilege that we are partnering up on this special day. We are feeding seven hundred thousand people a day across the country. With this partnership with Mamelodi Sundowns, we will grow from strength to strength in ensuring that the needs of those experiencing hunger are met.”
Club Chairman Tlhopane Motsepe was present on the day and shed light on why the club has embarked on this mission together with FoodForwardSA:
“World Food Day is celebrated across the globe. It is a day where we create awareness on the need to eradicate hunger because there are so many people out there who cannot afford a meal for themselves and their families. For us as Mamelodi Sundowns, it is a pleasure to be here and to see the players, coaches and staff coming together to raise awareness around hunger. The partnership with FoodForwardSA is very inspirational and exciting. Its mission is to eradicate hunger in South Africa and a mission like that is so admirable and powerful.” Said the Club’s Chairman.
Motsepe further went on to highlight the common vision shared by both brands in changing the lives of people for the better.
“Our vision is to be the best club in the continent and one of the best African clubs in the world. Our vision is aligned with theirs as we want to make sure we can help, uplift and give hope to people through the way we play. Today we are doing that by donating food to those who are in need.”
Mamelodi Sundowns are encouraging everyone who would like to contribute to the fight against world hunger to donate R2 to our SMS line by SMSing “KBY” to 41872. All proceeds will go to FoodForwardSA as they continue to feed adults and children all over the country.
Happy World Food Day 2021!
