FoodBank South Africa

FoodBank Durban launched with a festive event attended by more than 200 guests at their new warehouse in Briardene. Many dignitaries attended the event, with the Mayor of Ethekweni, Councillor Obed Mlaba, performing the ribbon cutting ceremony and the opening address. The event also marked the conclusion of FoodBank South Africa's 67 minutes campaign, a four-day event to mark Mandela Day.

Councillor Mlaba spoke of the prevalence of poverty and illiteracy in the province, and hoped the pooling of resources to create the newest NGO would benefit the community. Muzi Nkala, Executive Director of FoodBank DBN told the audience, including Ms. Njabulo Nduli, Director General, Dept of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and representatives from the Department of Social Development that as soon as the day’s festivities had ended the food would be delivered to more than 100 community beneficiary agencies. “But we must create sustainable relationships with donating organisations to carry on filling our warehouse,” he said.

Mayor Mlaba tours the new warehouse with Ms. Nbuli of the Dept of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana described the Rural FoodBanking system and pilot programme being established which will lessen rural communities becoming dependant on foodbanks by becoming self sufficient through several programmes, including planting vegetable gardens and sewing programmes.

As part of the celebration, children from the beneficiary agency Sinothando Noah’s Ark Centre in Pinetown entertained the guests with a lively collection of Zulu songs and dances.

Dancers perform for the dignitaries and guests

The FoodBank SA model, established in March 2009 after 18 months of planning, is a collaboration between the grocery products industry, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and government ministries to align programmes and resources to get more food to more people. This model has been tried and tested in more than twenty countries around the world since it was conceived about 40 years ago.  FoodBank SA has already helped communities create 3 Community FoodBanks, with plans to create a total of 20 FoodBanks by the end of 2011.