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EZEKIEL PHALANA
PICTURE SUPPLIED.
The Temba Bavuma Foundation has partnered with KFC to strengthen and expand the Frida Hartley Shelter (FHS) Lunchbox Project, an initiative providing nutritious meals to vulnerable schoolchildren in Yeoville.
The project currently provides approximately 200 lunchboxes every school day, with the capacity to reach as many as 300 children on some days. For many of the young beneficiaries, the meal collected from the Frida Hartley Shelter may be the only reliable food they receive during the day.
The partnership will see the Temba Bavuma Foundation take responsibility for the project’s long-term sustainability and fundraising, while KFC’s support will help strengthen the programme and enable it to reach more children.
The Lunchbox Project was established and developed by FHS over many years. The Foundation’s involvement is aimed at securing its future and ensuring that this vital source of nutritional support continues to benefit children in the Yeoville community.
Every school day, children visit FHS on their way to school to collect a lunchbox. While a sandwich may appear simple, access to a nutritious meal can make an important difference to a child’s ability to concentrate, participate in lessons and make the most of their education.
The Temba Bavuma Foundation has worked with FHS for several years through food drives at the shelter, making the expansion of the Lunchbox Project a natural progression of their existing relationship.
Education is one of the Foundation’s key pillars, alongside cricket and community development. The Foundation recognises that nutrition and education are closely connected and that children are better positioned to learn when their basic nutritional needs are met.
Speaking about the initiative, Temba Bavuma, founder of the Temba Bavuma Foundation, said the project reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting young people’s overall wellbeing.
“At the Foundation, we have always believed that you cannot separate a child’s education from their wellbeing. A hungry child is not a child who lacks potential. They are a child who has been let down by circumstance. By taking on the Lunchbox Project, we are making sure that no child in this community has to choose between being fed and being fully present at school.”
FHS also welcomed the Foundation’s involvement and its commitment to the project’s future.
“At FHS, we believe that education starts with a meal. By feeding children, we help create classrooms where they are healthy, present and ready to learn.”
Andra Nel, People, Culture and Purpose Director at KFC, said the partnership reflects KFC’s commitment to helping young people reach their potential.
“At KFC, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their potential, and we know that is not possible without proper nutrition. We are honoured to support the Temba Bavuma Foundation and the Frida Hartley Shelter in feeding future potential. Together, we can help ensure that more children are able to focus on what matters most: their future.”
The Lunchbox Project forms part of the Temba Bavuma Foundation’s broader commitment to creating opportunities for young people through education, cricket and community development.
The Foundation, established in 2016 by South African national cricket captain Temba Bavuma, is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2026. Its work is guided by five core values: Access, Mentorship, Excellence, Growth and Change.
Through the partnership with FHS and KFC, the Foundation aims to ensure that the Lunchbox Project remains sustainable while creating an opportunity for the programme to grow and support even more children in need.