The COVID-19 pandemic has actioned a partnership between two of South Africa's foremost organisations to leverage their skills and resources to help stem the tide of one of the largest pandemics in recent history.

After its’ launch last week of a R50m Appeal in response to the COVID-19 Lockdown, national non-profit food redistribution organisation, FoodForward SA, has received over R11m in financial and food donation support as part of a national roll-out to mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups’ nutrition.

A community member takes a step to help those in need while coronavirus brings negative effects to the country.

As Dis-Chem Pharmacies are part of the essential services available to South Africans during the lockdown period, its employees are placed under additional pressure to ensure that shelves remain fully stocked and that its stores and staff uphold stringent health and hygiene measures.

The Shoprite Group has announced support for the Solidarity Fund in aid of the country’s response to Covid-19 and to assist the most vulnerable during this crisis.

Woolworths and the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet community loyalty programme have made a R500 000 donation to the Gift of the Givers Foundation to support frontline medical workers through the provision of protective wear and equipment.

Less than 24 hours after President Ramaphosa’s impassioned plea for all South Africans to unite in the battle against the devastating coronavirus, leading water brand aQuellé has donated R500 000 to boost the newly established Solidarity Fund.

Johan van Zyl, the owner of Fado Art, and his small team were planting succulents into ceramic pots in a rented garage in Bronkhorstspruit when he received a phone call that changed their fortunes.

Butchery is a scarce skill in South Africa, and therefore the Shoprite Group annually trains some 200 people to ensure an adequate supply of talent into its many butcheries across the country.

Despite the crippling drought in the Eastern Cape, the Shoprite Group supports 82 homestead gardens in the province, benefiting 320 people.

Packa-Ching in partnership with Shoprite launched its fourth mobile buyback centre in Katlehong, Johannesburg earlier today. This mobile recycling unit will travel between low-income communities and surrounding schools in Katlehong, Tokoza and Vosloorus to buy recyclable packaging materials from residents.

The Shoprite Group has opened bursary applications for the 2020 academic year and is inviting top students studying scarce skills including Information Technology (IT), Chartered Accounting, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, Pharmacy and Retail Business Management to apply.