Media Statement: AGSA support for Each 1 Feed 1

South Africa is a nation that is perhaps best described as one which was born out of solidarity. It is time, again, to ignite our culture of solidarity as we face the greatest test of our character and cohesion since the dawn of democracy. The COVID-19 pandemic and the national lockdown have both limited opportunities for people living in South Africa to pursue income generating opportunities and it has threatened food security.

Inspired by the Congress of South African Students’ mantra, Each One Teach One, the Nelson Mandela Foundation is calling on South Africa to take action and play their part in the COVID-19 #Each1Feed1 campaign. By collaborating with old and new partners, the initiative is seeking to bring relief from the plight of food insecurity during and after the crisis.

The staff in the office of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) has rallied together to raise funds to support Each 1 Feed 1. The generous donation of R 295 131. 26 has been received with gratitude by the Foundation.

”On the 21st of April 2020 the Deputy Auditor General Tsakani Maluleke had made a call to all the employees to show compassion for those that are in need. The donation is the fruit of this initiative,” said AGSA senior manager Gilbert Vilane . “This is part of AGSA’s contribution to support those in dire need.”

“We applaud the AGSA staff for this initiative,” said Foundation Chief Executive Sello Hatang. “Collaboration between the state, the private sector and civil society will be critical as we continue to confront the challenge of COVID-19.”

Beneficiaries prioritised by the Each 1 Feed 1 campaign include the Early Childhood Development workforce, asylum seekers who are significantly more vulnerable as they are excluded from the social grant system, farming and mining communities who rely on their jobs to support their families, the elderly, people living with disabilities, child-headed households as well as children on farms who are dependent on feeding schemes.

As a nation, we have shown the ability to overcome the unimaginable. The current pandemic will be overcome with genuine compassion and solidarity with those most severely impacted.

You can access an audio recording of Auditor-General Kimi Makwetu here.

Media Enquiries:

Nelson Mandela Foundation

Kneo Mokgopa

Manager: Communications and Advocacy

KneoM@nelsonmandela.org +27 (0)76 420 1910

Auditor-General South Africa

Africa Boso

Senior Manager: Media Relations • Communication

AfricaB@agsa.co.za

Telephone: +27(0)12 422 9880

Mobile: +27(0)713653024 africab@agsa.co.za