UKZN rises against hunger

UKZN, in collaboration with Rise Against Hunger Africa and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), contributed to the second Sustainable Development Goal, Zero Hunger, by packing 10 000 meals for pre-schools and families in need in KwaZulu-Natal.

Dean and Head of the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance Professor Mabutho Sibanda was involved in the initiative, which brought together management, staff, academics and students from the College of Law and Management Studies.

Among those playing an active role were Director of College Professional Services, Dr Kathy Cleland; Acting Dean and Head of Graduate School of Business and Leadership, Professor Ana Martins; and Co-ordinator of Accounting Programmes, Dr Suren Pillay.

Said Regional Executive of SAICA Naeem Asvat: "The issue of hunger often seems too big to address, but we must not forget that each person can make a difference.

"We, as SAICA, have a mandate to serve the public interest and, through this joint initiative, our mission is to address hunger and make a worthwhile contribution to society."

SAICA has also partnered with other universities to ensure they reach the Zero Hunger goal faster.

Branch Manager of Rise Against Hunger in KwaZulu-Natal Keven Pillay thanked UKZN and SAICA for partnering with them in the initiative. "Our mission is to eradicate hunger through education and that's why we are here.

"Through our Early Childhood Development (ECD) Connect project, the meals packed today will be distributed to pre-schools, with each packet feeding up to 10 children," said Pillay.

The meal packing event proved to be a fun and engaging way for volunteers to be part of a drive to end world hunger. More than 50 volunteers took part and packed 10 000 meals in just two hours!

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga