South Africa : Local businesses donate food hampers to soldiers abroad

By Edwin Tshivhidzo, tel: (012) 314-2454

Pretoria - Local businesses and companies proved it was indeed a season of giving and sharing when they dug into their pockets to fund food hampers for South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who are deployed outside the country and their families.

Chairperson of the Goodwill Parcel Project Busisiwe Ngwenya, who is also the spouse of the SANDF Chief General Godfrey Ngwenya, said the parcels were a symbol that the troops and their families were appreciated.

"The aim of the project is to illustrate, especially over the festive season, to all deployed soldiers, members on duty, patients in hospitals and families of deployed members that the leadership of the SANDF and the South African business community do really care for them," said Ms Nqwenya.

Receiving the parcels, Chief of Joint Operations, General Themba Matanzima, said the important work done by the troops was recognised and the kind gesture by the business community would help to lift their morale.

The Goodwill Parcel project was started in 2001, when the Warrant Officers of the SANDF and the Joint Operations Division decided to send goodwill parcels to all members deployed operationally during the festive season.

Since no funds were available, they requested each Warrant Officer in the SANDF to donate R1 towards the cause.

The first goodwill food parcels were sent to deployed soldiers in 2001 during the festive season.

The project has since grown and includes sponsorships and donations from the business community. In 2007, a hamper pack for families and members on duty and in hospitals was introduced. - BuaNews