Families in KwaZulu-Natal are starting fresh in new homes thanks to a community-based project that turned bread purchases into building materials. Through the Bread for Bricks campaign, one brick was donated for every loaf sold, helping build four safe, sturdy homes for families in Eskhaleni and Nseleni who previously lived in unsafe conditions. On 22 November, BB Bakeries, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity South Africa, celebrated this achievement with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at two of the new homes. Local community members, dignitaries, and the new homeowners gathered to mark this milestone and share in the joy of what the campaign has accomplished. “For us, having a safe home changes everything,” said Thulisiwe Mkhize, one of the new homeowners. “We can now sleep safely, and my children have a place to study. We are so grateful to everyone who made this happen.” BB Bakeries’ commitment to the KwaZulu-Natal community runs deep. “Our community has always been at the heart of BB Bakeries,” shared Stephanie Hoy, Marketing Executive. “It’s thanks to everyone who bought a loaf that we’ve been able to help these families start a new chapter in homes that are safe and built to last.” In addition to the Bread for Bricks campaign, BB Bakeries is involved in many other community initiatives across KwaZulu-Natal, including adopting over 100 crèches, supporting recycling programmes, and helping local old age homes, feeding schemes, and soup kitchens. His Worship Mayor Counsellor Ngwezi highlighted the importance of community support in making a difference: “Today, we see what is possible when people come together,” he said. “These homes are proof that community action can bring real change to those who need it most.” Daphney Ngoasheng, National Director of Habitat for Humanity SA, also emphasised the value of the partnership. “Having a safe place to live means everything,” she explained. “We’re grateful to everyone who supported this cause. …
Win big: ‘Rising Stars’ competition offers prizes worth R150 000
A new competition is here to find and support the best emerging bakers in the Border Kei region. The Snowflake ‘Rising Stars’ competition, in partnership with the Border Kei Chamber of Commerce, invites bakers to showcase their skills by submitting their entries from 8 July to 5 August for the bake-off taking place on 31 August. The top three winners will be awarded their share of prizes worth just under R150 000 in the form of capital, marketing support, and Snowflake stock to help grow their businesses. Premier, Snowflake’s brand owner, aims to grow and nurture the communities in which they operate by supporting local talent. "Snowflake is dedicated to helping bakers and chefs create baked goods that are too fresh to flop for any occasion," says Sibongile Mooko, Marketing Executive at Premier. "With ‘Rising Stars’, we want to support local bakers, giving them the tools and opportunities to succeed and grow their businesses. Snowflake is known for its high-quality baking and cooking products, and we believe in empowering bakers to 'make magic' in their kitchens. The competition is about more than just winning; it’s about being a part of a supportive baking community.” The top 10 entrants will join a bake-off on 31 August at the Blue Ribbon Hospitality & Cookery School of Excellence. Finalists will show their cake-baking skills to a panel of judges. Prizes: First Prize: R20 000, business toolkit worth R30 000, PR coverage, and Snowflake stock. Second Prize: R15 000, business toolkit worth R30 000, PR coverage, and Snowflake stock. Third Prize: R10 000, business toolkit worth R30 000, PR coverage, and Snowflake stock. To be eligible, participants must be South African citizens or permanent residents over the age of 18. They must operate a baking business within the Border Kei Municipality. Bakers can enter by visiting the Snowflake website at https://www.snowflake.co.za/competitions and completing the application form online listed under …
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Investing in KZN’s future: Career guidance programme benefits over 14 000 learners
Over 14 000 learners in KwaZulu-Natal have been empowered through the Nyala Future Fit Programme, a career guidance initiative conducted in 21 schools across under-resourced communities from October 2022 to March 2023. The programme targeted learners in grades 9, 11, and 12. It was a collaborative effort between Careerlinx Empowerment Solutions, Career Connect Group, and Nyala, a local brand committed to empowering the youth of KwaZulu-Natal and addressing the issue of high unemployment rates. “According to recent reports, the unemployment rate in KwaZulu-Natal is at an all-time high, with nearly 60% of our youth currently without jobs. This makes the Nyala Future Fit Programme even more crucial, as it provides learners with the tools they need to achieve their career goals and contribute to the future of their communities," says Jennifer Higgs, Managing Director of Careerlinx Empowerment Solutions and Career Connect Group. The workshops, which were held in Ladysmith, Empangeni, Newcastle, and Dundee, covered topics such as self-awareness, career options, industries, and funding opportunities. Grade 9 learners were taught about subject choices, while Grade 11 and 12 learners were taught how to be future fit, including how to apply for funding and utilise NGOs to further their careers. In addition to the workshops, learners received informative booklets to support their future career planning. The programme's impact has been felt by the learners, with many sharing their positive experiences. Grade 11 learner, Anele Mkhize, said, "The programme has opened my eyes to many career opportunities that I didn't know existed. I feel more confident about my future career choices now." Another learner, Grade 12 student Zenzele Khumalo, expressed gratitude for the access to funding and NGO opportunities he learned about during the programme. "I come from a disadvantaged family, and I thought I would never be able to afford tertiary education. Thanks to the Nyala …
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Community entrepreneur scoops 1st place in social enterprise competition
Social entrepreneurs are vital to a sustainable future for the Eastern Cape and South Africa as a whole – they solve societal and environmental problems, combat challenges in ways that government and traditional charities cannot, and positively impact society and/or the environment. This is why Premier FMCG, Social Enterprise Connect (SEC), Social Enterprise Academy Africa (SEAA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) have come together to launch the IWISA No.1 Community Champions Competition, which identifies, upskills, and rewards community-based entrepreneurs for doing good while doing well in the Eastern Cape. The winners were announced at an awards lunch held at Manas venue on Thursday, 16 March 2023. The Top 10 finalists pitched their businesses to a panel of judges consisting of Sibongile Mooko, Marketing Executive at Premier FMCG, Bongani Ngqaba, Community Development Coordinator at the Department of Social Development, and Phumla Boya Dyafta, founder of Likusasa Lomama Community Organisation, a non-profit organisation that runs a daily nutrition centre. Judges and the audience consisting of community opinion leaders, funders and other social entrepreneurs were wowed by Mkhululi Mnukwa from M&M Trading and his well-delivered presentation. Mnukwa took first place and won R30 000 for his company which sells vegetables and provides experiential training to other youth in the community. Second place and third place were won by Nosipho Gqube from Ingomsolethu Community Development Services and Beauty Ntshona from AB&C Consultants, respectively. All winners also gain additional expert business mentorship through the SEAA as part of their prize. “I feel excited, and I'm so grateful. My car recently broke down, and it's an important part of my business. I didn't have the money to fix the car and planned to close the business. My prayers have been answered – I won't have to borrow any money to fix the car, and my business can carry …
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Community farmer scoops 1st place in social enterprise competition
Social entrepreneurs are vital to a sustainable future for the Free State and South Africa as a whole – they solve societal and environmental problems, combat challenges in ways that government and traditional charities cannot, and positively impact society and/or the environment. This is why Premier FMCG, Social Enterprise Connect (SEC), Social Enterprise Academy Africa (SEAA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) have come together to launch the IWISA No.1 Community Champions Competition, which identifies, upskills, and rewards community-based entrepreneurs for doing good while doing well in the Free State. The winners were announced at an awards lunch held at Kopano Nokeng Lodge on Thursday, 09 March 2023. The Top 10 finalists pitched their businesses to a panel of judges consisting of Julian Singonzo, Premier FMCG’s Managing Executive under the environmental, social & governance portfolio, Sister Mapiyeye, Manager at Central University of Technology, and Euodia Naanyane-Bouwer, Owner and CEO of Gracious Nubian, a social enterprise designing, developing, and manufacturing innovative washable sanitary pads that can be reused for up to two years. Judges and the audience consisting of community opinion leaders, funders and other social entrepreneurs were wowed by Pule Monare from PUFTA Pty Ltd’s and his well delivered presentation. The company has created employment for over 30 members of the community and sustains itself by selling chicken and crops at the local supermarkets. They were awarded first place for their efforts in empowering the youth to learn about green life through planting, winning them R30 000. Second place and third place were won by Moses Kekana from Green Kid SA and Mpho Staat from G STAAT, respectively. All winners also gain additional expert business mentorship through the SEAA as part of their prize. “I’m overwhelmed, I didn’t expect to win because there are so many other amazing companies that took part. I thank …
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The psychology of kindness – five tips to encourage your child to be kind
We can make an immense impact on those around us simply by spreading kindness. Random Acts of Kindness Week is observed annually from 14 – 20 February; it’s a celebration of all the ways we can become a positive influence in each other’s lives. As the school year is back in full swing, Anel Annandale, an Educational Psychologist with a passion for Early Childhood Development, unpacks the psychology of kindness and provides five tips to encourage kindness in our children below. 1. Create a culture of kindness Kindness doubles when we share it – a ripple effect that transforms our community into a happier place. Whether rich or poor, young or old, the beauty of being kind is that anyone can do it. Creating a culture of kindness begins in childhood. Teach your children to ask themselves daily: “How can I be kind today?” For young children, sharing a sweet is the most basic demonstration of kindness, and this behaviour should be acknowledged and encouraged. “Our products are often central to acts of kindness, and as such, we have made it our brand’s purpose to inspire kindness,” says Monique Spandeel, Manhattan Brand Manager. “So far, we have encouraged over 43 000 learners to be kind through school engagement and toolkits. But kindness starts at home, and we need a collective effort to change behaviour,” she adds. 2. Praise character; discipline behaviour Teaching kindness can change who a child becomes and gently moulds them into happier, empathetic, more likeable people. When you praise a child for good behaviour, make it part of their character. For instance, you want to say something like: "You are a very kind person," as opposed to "that was a kind thing to do.” Eventually, this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy and lead children to spread their kindness in the future. On the other hand, when disciplining a child, focus on their behaviour rather than their character, e.g. "That was a hurtful thing to do," not "you're being a hurtful brat.” …
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Over 43 000 young South Africans encouraged to be kind
As the school year comes to an end, students at 120 schools across Gauteng and the Western Cape are being celebrated for being kind as part of a campaign to offer more than just academics for the education of our children. Through this campaign, children are taught that kind behaviour brings positive results – building a generation of hard-working, passionate and dedicated individuals who understand the importance of doing good. This is the second year that the Manhattan Sweets and Pick n Pay School Club Kindness Awards took place, and over 43 000 learners participated this year. The aim is to promote kindness by rewarding the top Kindness Heroes at each school. To ensure their kindness journeys are carried out throughout the year, the learners are awarded floating kindness badges weekly. At the end of the year, a learner from each grade is awarded the Top Kindness Hero Award. “The more we practise kindness, the easier it becomes,” explains Monique Spandeel at Manhattan Sweets. “Studies have shown that a kind act has the same effect on the person doing the kind deed as it has on the person receiving it: just one kind act reduces stress, anxiety and depression, and produces the hormones that make both people calmer, healthier and happier,” she adds. Learners have eagerly embraced the Kindness Awards. Two of the 120 winners, Kefilwe Matlhakoana, from Asteri Primary in Gauteng, and Sumayya Parker, from Boston Primary in the Western Cape – in Grade 3 and Grade 1, respectively – have been nominated by their teachers for their exceptional thoughtfulness towards others and their kind deeds. Kefilwe is described as a gentle soul by her teacher, Ms Musenwa Fhatuwani. “She has the biggest of hearts, is very bubbly and outspoken and willing to step up and lend a helping hand to her classmates. Kefilwe is truly deserving of this award,” says Ms Fhatuwani. Sumayya Parker received her Kindness Award because she is friendly and kind to all her friends and …
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Entrepreneurship training empowers 400 learners in Mthata
Almost two-thirds (63.9%) of South Africa’s youth are currently unemployed,1 and not enough action is being taken to help positively impact the lives of many young people who cannot find jobs in a competitive labour market. To help combat this problem, Mister Bread collaborated with Enke, an NGO dedicated to youth empowerment, to develop a course targeted at primary school learners. This programme was delivered through a fun and completely free holiday camp for Grade 5 to 7 learners in Mthata. A positive link between entrepreneurship and economic growth cannot be denied. The Yondla Ikamva Holiday Camp Programme empowered 400 young people, teaching them about entrepreneurship and how to start a business, preparing South Africa’s next generation for future success. The importance of empowering our young entrepreneurial minds is key to creating and bringing to life new technologies, products and services while creating new markets and jobs along the way. Mister Bread’s brand owner, Premier FMCG, aims to grow and nurture the communities in which they operate. “The initiative intends to make a real and lasting impact in the lives of young South Africans, teaching them about entrepreneurship and how to start a business, all in a supportive learning environment,” says Julian Singonzo, Managing Environmental, Social, and Governance Executive at Premier FMCG. “The camps are also facilitated by local teachers to support the communities’ educators with additional holiday work,” he adds. This year’s camp took place over 16 days, from 29 June to 14 July, at Green Park Lodge, Mthatha. Courses were divided over two days to accommodate 50 learners at a time, with 400 learners selected in total. The two-day programmes hosted up to 50 learners at a time. Course content covered creativity, basic mathematical skills, the fundamentals of money, entrepreneurship, and how to identify business opportunities in a community in a fun and engaging way. “This is the second year that …
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Uqeqesho lwezoshishino luxhobisa abafundi abangama-400 eMdantsane naseKomani
Phantse isahlulo sesithathu (63.9%) solutsha lwaseMzantsi Afrika sithethanje aluphangeli,1 kwaye akho manyathelo aneleyo athatyathwayo ukunikela uncedo olululo ekuphuculeni ubomi babantu abaselula abangakwaziyo ukufumana imisebenzi kweli kwiimarike zemisebenzi ezinokhuphiswano. Ukunceda ukulwisana nale ngxaki, uStar Bakeries ubambisene no-Enke, i-NGO ezinikele ekuxhobiseni ulutsha, ukuphuhlisa izifundo ezijoliswe kubafundi abafunda kumabanga aphantsi. Esi sicwangciso siye sanikelwa ngenkampu yeeholide ezele ulonwabo nekukhululekiweyo kuyo yabafundi abakumaBanga 5 ukuye kwele-7 eMdantsane naseKomani. Unxibelelwano oluhle phakathi kokuba ngusomashishini ophumelelayo nokukhula koqoqosho akunakuphikwa. I-Yondla Ikamva Holiday Camp Programme ixhobise abantu abaselula abangama-400, ibafundisa ngokuba ngoosomashishini abaphumelelayo nendlela yokuqalisa ishishini, kulungiselelwa isizukulwana esilandelayo saseMzantsi Afrika sibe nempumelelo kwixesha elizayo. Ukubaluleka kokuxhobisa iingqondo zoosomashishini bethu abancinane kungundoqo ekudaleni nasekuziseni ubomi babo kubugcisa, iimveliso neenkonzo ezintsha ngokudala iimarike nemisebenzi emitsha njengokuba kusiyiwa phambili. Umnikazi webrendi ye-Star Bakeries, i-Premier FMCG, ujolise ekukhuliseni nasekuhlumiseni abahlali kwiindawo asebenza kuzo. “Eli phulo linomdla wokwenza ifuthe elilelokwenene nelihlala lihleli kubomi babaselula baseMzantsi Afrika, libafundisa ngokuba ngoosomashishini nendlela yokuqalisa ishishini, konke oko kusenzeka kwindawo yokufundela enikeza inkxaso,” utsho njalo uJulian Singonzo, oyi-Managing Environmental, Social, and Governance Executive e-Premier FMCG. “Ezi nkampu zikwaququzelelwa ngootishala basekuhlaleni ukuze zixhase abahlohli abahlala kwezo ndawo ngomsebenzi owongezelelekileyo weeholide,” wongeza ngelitshoyo. Inkampu yalo nyaka iqhubeke kangangeentsuku ezili-16, ukususela kwi-29 Juni ukuya kwi-06 Julayi eSunshine Guesthouse eMdantsane nange-10 ukuya kwi-17 Julayi e-The Gallery …
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Local primary schools help maintain value of waste
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which recently came into effect, focuses on ensuring that the value of waste is never lost. It helps divert materials from landfills, requiring that these materials be recycled and reused instead. To help maintain the value of waste, Primary school learners from twenty local schools in the Western Cape recycled 25 393.38kg of these materials during the INEOS Trash 4 Treats project this year. The competition, held from April to September 2021, culminated in an award ceremony last Friday at the winning schools. The INEOS Trash 4 Treats project teaches primary school learners the importance of recycling at a tender age to help them build positive habits for the long term. In return for the most recyclable waste collected, learners are rewarded with treats, and schools stand a chance of winning their share of R100 000 in prize money to upgrade their facilities. This year, following a successful pilot with ten schools in 2019, INEOS expanded its project to include ten more schools. “Investing in our future means investing in our children,” says Caroline Hughes, Project Manager at INEOS. “Through this competition, we want to demonstrate to young learners from low-income households that recyclable waste has value. In addition, we strive to encourage behaviour change through a combination of education, recognition and reward,” she adds. Mzamomhle Primary School, in Philippi, won first place for recycling 3 769kg during the competition. In second place, having recycled 2164.8kg, was Symphony Primary in Belhar, and Dietrich Mor Primary in Philippi came in third place for recycling 1 453.6kg. “We’ve noticed a big difference in our learners since we started the Trash 4 Treats project,” says Mr Welile Ngonzo, Principal of Mzamomhle Primary School. “When the learners start receiving rewards, they are driven to recycle more and can share their learnings with family and friends. It has been wonderful to witness …