At FoodForward SA, we value partnerships that create lasting impact.

Through its Uplift employee volunteer programme, Capitec regularly mobilises staff to support our warehouses and Mandela Day initiatives, while also investing in programmes that strengthen communities where they are needed most.

Through Capitec’s support, our Northern Cape Schools Feeding Scheme provides nutritious daily meals to 4,372 learners across six high schools in the Francis Baard Municipality. These schools do not qualify for the National School Nutrition Programme, making this partnership an essential source of support for thousands of learners in underserved communities.

Delivered in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Education, the programme helps ensure that learners begin each school day with the nutrition they need to focus, participate in class, and make the most of their education.

The latest programme evaluation highlights the positive impact of consistent nutritional support on learner participation and educational outcomes. Comparing the 2025 and 2026 academic years, the findings show encouraging improvements in learner engagement, particularly among senior learners preparing for their National Senior Certificate examinations.

Across the six participating schools, Grade 12 learners continued to record the strongest attendance, with several schools maintaining attendance rates above 90%. The evaluation also found improvements in attendance and reductions in absenteeism across participating schools, reinforcing the important role that reliable access to nutritious food plays in supporting educational success and long-term wellbeing.

Thank you, Capitec, for partnering with us to build stronger communities and a more food secure South Africa.