IN honour of Mandela Day, the South African Breweries (SAB), in partnership with Eastern Cape’s Department of Social Development, will be planting trees at the newly refurbished and upgraded Butterworth Gender-Based Violence (GBV) shelter which was recently handed over to the department. This initiative follows the launch of SAB’s Sharp programmes earlier this month. SAB Sharp is an evidence-based initiative that champions responsibility by supporting communities to Live, Drive, Talk and Sell Sharp.
As part of the Mandela Day activation, SAB employees and volunteers from the local community will unite to plant trees, symbolising growth, renewal, and the community’s commitment to sustainability. This event not only honours Nelson Mandela’s legacy but also aligns with SAB’s broader goal of making impact in the communities it operates in.
Empowering responsible communities – SAB Sharp’s Live Sharp initiative
This tree-planting initiative is part of SAB Sharp’s Live Sharp, a programme that empowers responsibility within communities by creating an environment that enables job creation and drives economic inclusion. Through the dedicated efforts of the SAB Foundation, Live Sharp has disbursed over R500 million, supported more than 6,442 entities, created over 10,000 new jobs, and sustained over 5,000 jobs. These significant contributions highlight SAB’s commitment to job creation, stimulating economic growth and fostering community resilience.
In addition to tree planting, SAB is focusing on ensuring food security in communities through its funded GBV shelters, including the Butterworth sanctuary. At the centre, SAB will conduct workshops and educational sessions on sustainable agricultural practices, nutrition, and food security. These workshops aim to equip community members with the skills and knowledge to cultivate their food, promoting self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability.
“We are honoured and proud to join hands with SAB in this impactful initiative. Mandela Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to uplift our communities and support those in need. The planting of trees at the Butterworth shelter not only provides environmental benefits but also symbolises hope, recovery and growth for the survivors of gender-based violence. We commend SAB for their commitment to fostering sustainable and responsible communities through their Sharp programme,” said Bukiwe Fanta, MEC for Social Development in the Eastern Cape.
“At SAB, we believe that our role extends beyond brewing beer. Our partnership with the Eastern Cape’s Department of Social Development in support of Mandela Day shows our continued and long-term support of the initiatives we roll out. It is also critical to advance SAB’s mandate of facilitating thriving, sustainable, and inclusive communities. We are proud to volunteer alongside our partners and local leaders to plant trees and provide resources that will benefit the shelter and local community for years to come,” said Zoleka Lisa, vice president, corporate affairs, SAB.
Rallying communities for a Sharp nation
As the country commemorates Mandela Day, SAB reiterates the importance of rallying behind our communities to create a Sharp nation. Through initiatives such as tree planting and the ongoing support of GBV shelters, SAB aims to promote responsibility, economic inclusion, and sustainable growth. Together, with the support of business, the public sector, and civil society, we can drive meaningful change and honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy by building a brighter, more inclusive future for all South Africans.
