Saiosh Commits to Food Scarcity Project

Saiosh Commits to Food Scarcity Project 

The impact of COVID-19 will undoubtedly unleash a food security crisis that will be deeply felt in poor communities across South Africa for months to come. The millions of people that rely on a daily / weekly income from the construction industry, the informal economy, small businesses etc. will be severely affected. How and what we eat affects our well-being. Therefore, creating better access to food for the poor is critical in the coming months. 

Saiosh has committed to join in the Food Scarcity Project together with other Professional Bodies and FoodForward SA. This is as a result of two of the most significant risks to have emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic; the potential of social unrest and a likely increase in crime.  Both these risks if left untreated, have the potential to result in riots, looting, damage to property and harm to people.  Not forgetting (on the back of unemployment, the loss of income and poverty) hunger, starvation and desperation.

FoodForward SA redistributes edible donated food products and operates as part of the international Global Foodbank Network (GFN). The organisation has an established national distribution footprint enabled by its verified beneficiary network of over 670 charities and over 255 000 people across the country. They already provide 20 million meals per year – but in the next few days to come and then 4 – 6 months, the need is much more.

Feedback that shows how professional bodies and associations are contributing to the project:

• Through the campaign R14 million have been raised to date
• So far FoodForward SA has distributed 130 tons of food worth R6 million
• FoodFoward SA has received food to the value of R20 million from supply chain partners
• FoodForward SA now has 1000 NGO’s reaching over 400,000 households
• The next two weeks will see even more food being delivered to the compromised areas
• The Solidarity campaign has now confirmed support for FoodForward SA

 Professional Bodies that have joined the Food Scarcity Project: 

• Actuarial Association of South Africa
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners SA
• Compliance Institute of Southern Africa
• Ethics Institute
• Financial Planning Institute of South Africa
• Independent Professional Body Forum
• Institute for Retirement Funds Africa
• Institute of Directors South Africa
• South African Counsel for Administrators
• South African Graduate Employers Association
• South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
• The Institute of People Management
• The Institute of Risk Management South Africa
• The Southern African Institute for Business Accountants
• The Corporate Counsel Association of South Africa

President Ramaphosa wisely stated that ‘united we are stronger’ thus, Saiosh calls on its members to take up this opportunity to be more proactive and participate in this drive with Saiosh, Food Forward SA and other Professional Bodies. It is an opportunity for professionals and leaders to personally play a significant role in managing this risk which will have an impact not only on all organisations but on every single household and citizen in South Africa. 

In order to be part of the solution to this immediate risk and support those in need, please click HERE to make a donation. 

Stay Home and Stay Safe!

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