Every day, FoodForward SA, the largest food distribution organisation in South Africa, addresses widespread hunger in the country by distributing food to the most vulnerable communities in Mzansi. Through their network of 2 750 community organisations, they provide over 950 000 people with access to nutritious meals daily.
When they are not orchestrating these life-saving deliveries, they are upskilling youth in the country who cannot secure jobs.
In 2019, FoodForward SA launched their supply chain internship programme for unemployed youth. The six-month programme, sponsored by Woolworths, focuses on warehousing, stock management, and logistics, comprising 70% practical and 30% academic training.
According to Andy du Plessis, managing director of FoodForward SA, nearly 60% of young people in South Africa under the age of 24 are jobless. One of the major contributing factors to this issue is a lack of skills development or under-skilling, which hinders a young person’s ability to secure employment, he says.
“At FoodForward SA we place a high value on youth empowerment, which is why we offer opportunities for young people to acquire new skills, thereby increasing their chances of employment.”
Reaching four provinces
Their inaugural cohort of interns started training in Cape Town. Since then, the programme has expanded to KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Rustenburg, providing training for over 60 interns and extending permanent employment opportunities to 19 of them.
In Cape Town, some of their interns are Caiden Colby, Lutho Ntontela, and Mazizi Hlangani. In Gauteng, they have Zanele Kumalo, Nomsa Mayisela, and Sanele Magudulela. In KwaZulu-Natal, interns include Paul Mthombeni, Ntokoza Nduli, and Thobisile Zondi.
Related stories
- Peter’s projects fight hunger with food gardens in Limpopo
- EduPlant sprouts hope in schools with food gardens
- Unemployed grad creates thriving beauty brand
One of the success stories is that of Dylan Simpson, whose inspiring journey serves as a testament to the success of the programme. Simpson began his journey with the organisation in 2019 as part of its inaugural cohort of interns. Although his initial stint ended after completing a six-month internship, he pursue a career with them.
After a period of searching for opportunities, Simpson returned to FoodForward SA and was employed as a general worker, based in the warehouse. He then seized the opportunity and later obtained his code 10 truck driver’s licence, which allows him to drive FoodForward SA’s five-tonne and eight-tonne trucks.
Simpson’s progress
Simpson did not immediately start driving the trucks after getting his licence. He had to learn and observe from the other drivers first before he could get behind the wheel.
“Over the past year and a half, I’ve been driving the five-tonne and eight-tonne trucks. I am now in the process of getting my code 14 license so I can drive trucks with trailers,” he says.
Simpson’s journey is just one of the many success stories of empowerment at FoodForward SA. His resilience, determination, and commitment to personal growth are a testament to the opportunities provided by the organisation.
READ NEXT: Farmers seek new markets amid Pick n Pay struggles
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
