For the third consecutive year, KAL Group employees came together to pack thousands of food parcels as part of the annual Mandela Day initiative, demonstrating a hands-on commitment to early childhood development (ECD).
The event forms part of KAL’s broader strategy to create lasting, people-centred impact, supporting food security and building resilient communities as a key pillar of its sustainability and social investment efforts.
This year, 44,958 nutritious meal packs were prepared in a single day, destined for ECD centres in the Western Cape and Gauteng. Each meal serves as a building block for 195 children for a year, helping them grow, learn, and thrive.
PEG MD Xolisa Bangazi rolled up his sleeves alongside the team, dedicating 67 minutes to pack meals for young children.
In partnership with Rise Against Hunger, the event brought colleagues from across the Group together to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to serving others. The sense of unity, care, and purpose was tangible as teams worked side by side to make a meaningful difference.
“At KAL, we believe in showing up for our communities consistently,” says Tasneem Sulaiman-Bray, Director: Corporate Affairs. “This initiative is one way we honour Madiba’s legacy. By contributing to food security at the earliest and most critical stage of development, we help strengthen the building blocks of a healthier society. These meal packs do more than feed children – they unlock resources at ECD centres to be redirected towards other priorities, helping them become more resilient and financially stable over time.”
For many employees, the experience was both grounding and uplifting.
“You feel the impact while you’re packing,” says Rachel Msimang, Intern: Supply Chain. “With every scoop, every sealed bag, you realise this is a lifeline for someone. It reminds me that we’re part of a business that not only talks about values but lives them. Knowing that a child will go to bed with a full stomach because of a meal you helped pack gives your work more meaning. It’s in these moments that you understand the bigger picture, and you feel proud to be part of a company that puts people first and takes responsibility for the communities around us.”
For the ECD centres, the food packs offer daily support, peace of mind, and the chance to give children the care they deserve.
The Agrimark team went above and beyond with enthusiasm and energy to surpass their targets.
Natasha Sitzer, Principal of Laugh & Learn Daycare in Paarl, shared how much the support has meant to them: “Healthy eating is the foundation of healthy learning. Thanks to the Rise Against Hunger food scheme, our children receive nutritious meals that fuel their growth and development while reducing illness and absenteeism. As a centre, we’ve been able to save valuable time and funds, allowing us to invest more in learning resources and supporting our families. We are deeply grateful for this meaningful partnership that not only feeds young minds and bodies but also uplifts our entire community.”
Involving as many employees as possible in KAL’s Mandela Day initiative adds another layer of meaning because it turns individual action into shared impact.
“Our purpose at KAL is to power growth from farm to fork – and that growth includes creating opportunities where they are needed most,” says Sean Walsh, CEO: KAL Group. “This initiative reflects how business can be a force for good when our values guide our actions. The ripple effect of these meals reaches far beyond nutrition; it strengthens futures, restores dignity, and reminds us all why we do what we do.”