Thanks to a generous donation made by LottoStar, PSFA presented Sibelius High School in Steenberg, with a new fully equipped pre-fabricated kitchen at a special ceremony held at the school today. This is the 132nd kitchen that PSFA has handed over to a school in its 65 years of existence.

Guest speakers at the ceremony included our finance manager, Morne Goosen, Antonia Lazaridis from LottoStar’s Star Foundation, Ghoesyn Lakay, chairman of the SGB, Simphiwe Mayekiso, RCL chairperson, ward councilor, Marita Petersen and Amien Samodien, principal of Sibelius High. The school marimba band provided excellent entertainment.

Morne Goosen cut the ceremonial ribbon at the entrance to the kitchen and handed over the keys to Amien Samodien. A big thank you to our infrastructure partner, Breadline Africa for managing this project on our behalf.

Today, thanks to a generous donation made by Mr. David Delbridge, PSFA presented Steenberg Primary School with a brand-new fully-equipped mobile kitchen.

A special handing-over ceremony occurred in the school hall where our operations manager, Amelia Koeries welcomed and introduced the event. Mr. Meeraaj Damon, chairman of the school’s governing body, Mr. Daniel Jansen, school principal, Mr. Shamiel Abrahams, Breadline Africa‘s head of programmes, and Ms. Maurita Petersen, ward councilor addressed the guests. One of the event’s highlights was the amazing performance of two songs sung beautifully by the Steenberg Primary School choir.

Amelia then presented a delighted Mr. Jansen with the keys to the kitchen.

We are delighted to announce that on September 1, 2023, Viwe Bontsa was appointed to the permanent position as a Field Officer at the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA).

Viwe has a 6-year working history with PSFA. In 2017, she joined PSFA as a finance intern through our partnership with Hope Africa. When the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport (DCAK) awarded PSFA with the MODs programme tender a few months later, she moved to our operations department as the MODs administrator (contractual position).

Thanks to funding provided by PSFA, in 2018, Viwe was able to begin her studies for a National Diploma in Operations Management, which she successfully completed in 2021 – well done Viwe! She is currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Quality Management at CPUT

Viwe was born in the Eastern Cape and raised in Cape Town. She completed high school at Kwamfundo Secondary School. After matriculating, she worked as a cashier in the food industry, which she valued because it taught her respect and a love for dealing with people. She returned to college in June 2012 to study financial management.

Viwe is a mother of a gorgeous girl, ‘Nunu’ whom she adores. She enjoys meeting individuals from all backgrounds.  In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and is committed to self-development through education.

The PSFA voluntary general committee, management team, and staff congratulate Viwe on her appointment and welcome her on board as a permanent member of the team, wishing her a long, happy, and productive tenure at PSFA.

Viwe Bontsa.

In February 2022, ZEMP Leathers launched a Design Initiative in collaboration with Summerdale High School in Mitchells Plain as part of its giving-back program. Over 300 Grade 9 learners were guided through the design process, and eventually, two designs, the Yola and Siri bags from learners Yolatha Mgebezo and Likhona Geca, went into production in November 2022.

ZEMP Leathers donates R570.00 to PSFA from the proceeds of the sale of each Yola and Siri bag. The cost to feed a child for a year at the time was R570.00.

We are delighted to announce that ZEMP Leathers managed to sell 97 bags (49 Siri bags and 48 Yola bags) in the first half of 2023 and awarded PSFA with a donation in the amount of R55 290.00.

“This Design Initiative perfectly fits our business philosophy, offering a high-quality product, collaborating with creative minds, and giving back. Working with Summerdale High and PSFA was an absolute pleasure, and we are very pleased with the outcome.” Peter Zemp, ZEMP Leathers.

If you want to support the program, please note the bags are still available online at www.zemp.co.za as well as across South Africa in leading leather, fashion, and lifestyle stores.

PSFA sincerely thanks ZEMP Leathers for this kind gesture and the Grade 9 learners from Summerdale High, a school on our feeding program, who participated in this amazing initiative.

About ZEMP Leathers

ZEMP Leathers, established in 2012, is based in Woodstock, Cape Town, and offers the largest range of leather handbags in South Africa. The goods are manufactured in compliance with the highest social standards and environmental considerations.

As the first leather goods brand in the world, ZEMP has been using organic cotton as an inner lining since 2019. The cotton and yarn production follows the social, environmental and chemical standards of GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), the gold standard for organic cotton.

The Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) is delighted to announce that Lana English, an internationally renowned opera and musicals singer from Cape Town, will be presenting and performing in a special fundraising Gala Concert for PSFA called HEROES at the Cape Town City Hall on Saturday, 14 October, at 14h00.

The concert, which is dedicated to extraordinary individuals, is the brainchild of Lana and will feature herself, well-known soprano Sian Atterbury who has performed in various G & S productions, Victor Siljeur, a melodic soloist in his own right, Jeremy Quickfall, a classical pianist with a twist, Dane Coetzee, a renowned cellist, and the Masikuhle Community Orchestra with a special appearance by the Constantia Primary School Choir to name a few.

The programme will include a mixed tapestry of classics, operas, musicals, sacred classics, and more!

“I am extremely excited to host this concert in support of PSFA and in honour of all the volunteers who tirelessly prepare the meals for the schoolchildren. I would love to write out a cheque to PSFA, but with my voice, I am able to do just that, and with this small gesture, be able to make a huge difference in one child’s life” Lana English.

Tickets for the HEROES Gala Concert are available for purchase at the cost of R200 per ticket at www.quicket.com. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference in your community while experiencing a night of exceptional music.

For any enquiries, please contact Charles Grey at PSFA at charles@psfa.org.za or call 021 447 6020 or 071 262 5199 or Nawaal Howa at manager@lanaandvictor.co.za or call 084 755 6825.

About Lana English

Lana started singing at a young age in the church choir, and at the age of 17, she made her solo debut.

In 1993, she started part-time singing lessons with Vetta Wise and began singing in the ad hoc opera chorus at CAPAB. After attending a master class with Wendy Fine, she was introduced to Alvon Collison, and this resulted in her starring in Showtime and Showtime 2001 at Artscape.

In June 2002, she began to sing as a permanent member of the Cape Town Opera Vocal Ensemble. Lana has also sung with the SA Navy Band and for various government functions and heads of state, as well as prominent leaders, locally and abroad, most notably for Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s 70th birthday celebrations at his residence.

At the end of October 2003, Lana auditioned for the South African production of “The Phantom of the Opera” and was granted the principal role of Christine Daaé.  She is still actively involved in the New Apostolic Church choir, which she loves.

Lana English

Victor Siljeur

Sian Atterbury

Jeremy Quickfall

Dane Coetzee

Constantia Primary Choir

On a beautiful, warm, sunny, and wind-free Sunday, 25 August 2023, 6 057 people consisting of families, friends and individuals of all ages united in the fight against childhood hunger in Green Point to walk in the Peninsula School Feeding Association’s (PSFA) 55^th Blisters for Bread in association with Lucky Star – The Barefoot Edition and yes, quite a few people accepted our challenge to walk barefoot.

The walks (5km and 10km) along the beautiful Sea Point Promenade raised a fantastic R581 877.00 from entry fees and donations that were made in support of the event. 100% of this amount will enable PSFA to serve 939 schoolchildren affected by poverty daily nutritious breakfasts and lunches for an entire year.

High-profile Western Cape Government and City of Cape Town officials who walked on the day included the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, MEC of Education, David Maynier, MEC of Cultural Affairs & Sport, Anroux Marais, and the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, Eddie Andrews. They were joined by the CEO of The Oceana Group, Neville Brink, Lourens de Waal, the Managing Director of Lucky Star, and the Chairman of PSFA, Brian Benatar.

After crossing the finish line and collecting their medals, because everyone walks in Blisters for Bread is a winner, and enjoying their complimentary refreshments provided by Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, the walkers were treated to a fantastic live concert featuring top South African singers Sayde Fillis, Krista Jonas and Nur Abrahams. A big thank you to Heart FM presenter Jeremy Harris for announcing during the concert.

PSFA hereby wishes to thank the following people, companies, and organisations that played a vital role in ensuring the success of our 55^th Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun Walk:

• Everyone who entered the 10km and 5km walks
• Lucky Star – main sponsor
• Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages – official hydration partner
• Heart FM – official radio partner
• People’s Post – official print media partner
• The media, in general, for the outstanding coverage and free advertising space
• The Lions Club volunteers who assist with the marshaling
• The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport for sponsoring public toilets
• The Sportsmans Warehouse branches for entry registrations and prizes for the lucky walker number draw
• Banks R & L Hiring for a great discount on the catering equipment for PSFA’s hospitality area
• GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World for purchasing a hospitality package
• All the companies that purchased group entries
• Olympic for sponsoring hoodies for the PSFA staff and prizes for the lucky draw
• Old Mac Daddy, Pres Les, Cape Town Tourism, Nutribullet, and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages for providing prizes for the lucky walker number draw and media competitions
• NOMU and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages for sponsoring products for our VIP hospitality area and the VOC
• Warren Lodge and his team at LIFE Brand for the sterling job managing the publicity and social media for the event
• Top Events for organising the event on our behalf

“PSFA’s Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun Walk is a shining example of the positive change that can be brought about when a community comes together for a common cause. By raising funds to feed impoverished schoolchildren, this event will not only fill hungry tummies but also nurture hope, unity, and the belief in the power of collective efforts to transform lives.” Petrina Pakoe, Director of PSFA.

Blisters for Bread 2024 will take place on Sunday, 25 August – we look forward to seeing you all there!

Partnerships are crucial for the success and impact of Mandela Day, an international commemoration and public service celebrated on July 18th every year. The day honours the legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president and a global symbol of peace, reconciliation, and social justice.

This year, in celebration of Mandela Day, the following amazing organisations and companies partnered with PSFA:

PEP Adopts a School

PEP Stores presented PSFA with a donation of R100 000.00. 100% of this donation will be allocated to providing 161 learners on our feeding programme at Surrey Primary School in Surrey with daily breakfasts and lunches for an entire year. We are sincerely grateful for this generous donation.

Fine Music Radio (FMR) Sandwich-Making Event

On Tuesday, 18 July, PSFA partnered with FMR and Artscape to make 3 000 sandwiches for impoverished learners on our after-school feeding programme.  We hereby wish to thank the FMR staff and presenters, Artscape and associated companies staff, HOPE Africa staff, LIFE brand staff and friends of PSFA for joining us in the Marble Foyer at Artscape to make and pack the sandwiches. Everyone had an absolute blast!

Volunteer celebrate after making the 3000 sandwiches.

Miltons Matsemela School Visit

 On Tuesday, 18 July, the Miltons Matsemela (MM) marketing team visited HJ Kroneberg Primary School in Kensington to assist with serving meals and interacting with the learners on our feeding programme. MM has been a loyal partner of PSFA for many years. For every conveyancing instruction MM receives from an estate agent, MM sponsors a child with two daily meals for a period of 6 months. PSFA has received just under R4 million in donations generated from this fantastic MM initiative. PSFA is proud to be associated with MM and its partner estate agencies.

The MM marketing staff serving meals at HJ Kroneberg Primary.

Nosh for Josh

Joshua Sandy, a 16 years old entrepreneur living with autism who founded and runs an NPC called Nosh for Josh, baked and donated 2 500 cookies to PSFA to be handed out to the learners on our feeding programme. On Wednesday, 19 July, we handed 220 Nosh for Josh cookies to the learners on our feeding programme at Sunnyside Primary School in Athlone. The rest of the cookies were delivered to schools in the greater Cape Town area. Joshua was born on World Autism Day (2 April) and diagnosed with autism at age two. Thank you, Josh!

Global Business Solutions Donation to Feed 20 Children

Global Business Solutions presented PSFA with a donation of R13 400.00, enabling us to provide 20 impoverished schoolchildren daily breakfasts and lunches for an entire year. Thank you for this kind gesture.

Rotary Club of Table Bay Quiz

On Saturday, 15 July, the Rotary Club of Table Bay hosted a fundraising quiz for PSFA at Zeekoe Vlei Yacht Club. The quiz raised R3 700.00, enabling PSFA to provide six impoverished schoolchildren with two daily meals for a year – for this kind gesture, we are sincerely grateful!

“Partnerships like these are the backbone of Mandela Day’s success, enabling individuals and organisations to work together to impact society positively. By joining forces and sharing responsibilities, partners can honour Mandela’s legacy by creating a better world for all—my heartfelt thanks go out to all who partnered with PSFA this year in honour of Madiba.” Petrina Pakoe, director of PSFA.

The Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) is delighted to announce that entries are open for its popular annual fundraising event, Blisters for Bread in association with Lucky Star, which takes place on Sunday, 27 August 2023.

The event, which will start in Stephan Way, Green Point and end at the Green Point Cricket Club, will include two routes along the Sea Point Promenade, a 10km walk starting at 07h45 and a 5km walk starting at 08h00. Every person who enters will receive a medal and refreshments sponsored by Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages.

At the finish line, every walker will be treated to a fantastic free live concert featuring popular Cape Town singers Nur Abrahams, Krista Jonas, who performed on The Voice South Africa Season 3 and Sayde Fillis, a young up-and-coming 14-year-old singer who attends Sarepta High in Kuils River. There will also be lucky number draws for those in attendance, with great prizes up for grabs, such as Nutribullets.

PSFA calls on everyone to join them in the fight against childhood hunger by entering this special fun family event at only R100 per person. Each entry fee will enable PSFA to provide 31 school children affected by poverty with a nutritious breakfast and lunch for an entire day. T-shirts are on sale for adults and children at the cost of R150. This year the colour of the T-shirt will be navy blue.

Only online entries for this year’s Blisters for Bread Walk will be accepted. Entries are limited to    5 000 people, so please enter early to avoid disappointment.

This year, PSFA is challenging everyone who enters the event to step out of their comfort zone, walk barefoot, and risk a blister to help create much-needed awareness around childhood hunger #TheBarefootEdition.

If you are unable to walk on the day, why not participate in PSFA’s online fundraising challenge #BlistersOnline by creating your own barefoot activity? Everyone who registers and donates can stand a chance to win a two-night stay for two adults, including breakfast at Old Mac Daddy Trailer Park in Elgin, valued at R4 000. Visit www.psfa.org.za for more details.

“We believe every child deserves a chance to thrive, and it all starts with a nourished body and a hopeful heart. Join us at Blisters for Bread as we take steps together to feed the minds and bodies of impoverished schoolchildren; together, we can transform their lives, one meal at a time.” Petrina Pakoe, director of PSFA.

To enter Blisters for Bread in association with Lucky Star, visit www.psfa.org.za. For any enquiries, please contact Top Events at info@topevents.co.za or WhatsApp at 066 139 4210.

On Friday, 2 June, PSFA hosted a successful School Protocol Meeting at the Pinelands Social Club for principals and feeding coordinators from over 70 schools on our feeding programme. The main objective of this meeting was to update everyone on legislative changes made by the Department of Environmental Health and the Department of Labour.

Our guest presenters were Nazly Jamal, a senior Environmental Health Practitioner at the City of Cape Town; Granville van Wyk, a senior Employer Auditor for the Department of Employment and Labour; Samukeliso Gasa, a COID Principal Inspector at Inspection and Enforcement Services and Herschel Vlotman, a gas installer that specialises in certifying gas installations and the issuing of gas compliance certificates.

Our director, Petrina Pakoe and operations manager, Amelia Koeries, also took the opportunity to present an overview of PSFA, our monitoring system, and the overall undertakings to be adhered to by all of the schools on our feeding programme.