In South Africa, employee volunteering is no longer just a “nice-to-have” in corporate social responsibility (CSR) plans. More and more companies are formalising Employee Volunteering Programmes (EVPs), recognising the value these initiatives bring to both staff and communities.

While Mandela Day on 18 July remains a cornerstone for collective action, the real challenge is making volunteerism a consistent practice throughout the year. That’s where structured EVPs play a key role – not only in sustaining impact but also in contributing towards a company’s Socio-Economic Development (SED) score under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework.

The Link Between Volunteering and SED

Under B-BBEE legislation, the hours employees dedicate to approved volunteer activities can be recognised as a non-financial contribution towards a company’s SED targets. These contributions must be properly tracked and verified to be eligible for the company’s scorecard. This means corporate volunteering isn’t only about goodwill – it’s also a measurable way to align business objectives with social impact.

What Volunteering at FoodForward SA Looks Like

At FoodForward SA (FFSA), we see firsthand the difference corporate volunteers make in our mission to reduce hunger. Our programme gives employees a chance to experience food banking from the inside, offering both practical involvement and meaningful insight.

When volunteers spend time with us, they don’t just pack food. They take part in the entire process – from sorting surplus donations and ensuring food safety, to preparing boxes and pallets destined for our network of beneficiary organisations that reach close to a million vulnerable South Africans. Guided by our branch managers, employees gain a clear picture of how surplus food is recovered, repurposed, and redistributed to where it’s needed most.

For those visiting our Cape Town branch, there’s also the opportunity to get involved in Food Gardens Connect, our urban farming initiative. Volunteers step into our food tunnel, roll up their sleeves, and plant seedlings that contribute to longer-term food security. It’s a tangible way to see how collective action translates into sustainable solutions.

The Broader Value of Volunteering

Corporate volunteering isn’t just a compliance exercise. It’s an expression of Ubuntu – the belief that we are connected through shared humanity. At a time when South Africans continue to face hardship, employee volunteerism shows the resilience and generosity that define us as a nation.

For companies, embedding volunteerism in EVP policies has proven benefits: it builds morale, strengthens teamwork, enhances brand reputation, and gives employees pride in being part of an organisation that actively invests in social and environmental development.

Opportunities to Partner with Us

FoodForward SA welcomes corporate volunteers throughout the year. From large-scale events like Mandela Day and World Food Day to ad hoc warehouse sessions across the country, there are multiple ways to get involved.

Sustained partnerships and regular volunteer days help create a consistent, lasting impact – ensuring that surplus food continues to flow to those who need it most.

Ready to get your team involved? Find out more about corporate volunteering opportunities with FoodForward SA and help us create a more food-secure South Africa. Contact info@foodforwardsa.org for more information.