KFC Celebrates 10 Years of Adding Hope

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Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) celebrated the 10^th anniversary of its corporate social responsibility initiative, Add Hope, at UKZN’s Westville campus.

Held on 16 October on World Food Day and with October observed as World Hunger Month, the event highlighted how Add Hope contributes to ending childhood hunger in South Africa. With customers asked to donate R2 for each meal purchased, and KFC and other organisations adding their donations, Add Hope has been able to feed more than 150 000 children across the country every day.

Mrs Zinhle Modiselle, KFC Public Affairs Director, welcomed the children present who were the guests of honour. She noted that they are the future of South Africa and reflected on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s vision, presented in his second State of the Nation address, to eradicate hunger within the next decade. She committed KFC to working towards this goal.

In his State of Hope Address, Mr Xolani Poto, a young South African child, challenged the county as a whole to protect and look after its children by taking action. ‘As children, we’re challenging the big companies that some of our parents work for, NGOs, stakeholders, schools and communities to work together with the government to add hope by putting a stop to child hunger,’ said Poto.

General Manager of KFC Africa, Mr Tarun Lal noted that, ‘KFC is a big company in South Africa because of the support of the people in this country. So it is important to give back to this community and, we pledge to do a lot more than what we are currently doing.’

MEC for Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal, Mrs Nonhlanhla Khoza, expressed her excitement over the partnership between the DSD and KFC, in the fight against childhood hunger. She encouraged KFC to continue its good work and promised to support their efforts.

Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu urged the nation to take care of its future resource - its children. She added that, ‘We need to hold hands together and work together, ‘as she called on the government and the private sector to work together and break down silos.

Learners from the 1000 Hills Community Helpers programme and the Thuthukani Special School choir who are beneficiaries of Add Hope performed at the event.

Words: Hlengiwe Precious Khwela

Photographs: Itumeleng Masa