Bata Founder’s Day sees SA employees giving back

130 years ago in 1894, the visionary Bata siblings, Tomáš, Anna, and Anthony, founded Bata with a pioneering spirit, innovative approach, and commitment to philanthropy. Today, Bata Founder’s Day encourages employees to remain united by a common desire to make a difference and contribute to a brighter future.

Bata SA partners with Malvern Children’s Home

For Bata South Africa employees, it was a rewarding and fun-filled day at the Malvern Child and Youth Care Centre (Malvern Children’s Home), joined by Monica Pignal, chairman of the Bata Children's Programme (BCP).

Malvern Children’s Home supports and assists children in need, providing shelter for up to 120 orphaned or neglected children, who range from two years old to 18.

The children were treated to a day of pizza made by Bata volunteers, plus fun and games, including a TOMY Takkies Shoe Design contest.

A special cake commemorated TOMY’s 60th anniversary this year along with Toughees’ 70th anniversary Random Acts of Kindness initiative.

Additionally, a tree-planting ceremony at the home marked Bata's 130th-anniversary milestone, promoting environmental awareness and sustainability, while serving as a lasting tribute to the partnership between the home and Bata SA.

Andile Ncamana, director of Malvern Children's Home, expressed heartfelt gratitude: "Our partnership with Bata has been a game-changer. Since 2021, they have generously provided shoes for all our children, alleviating a significant financial burden. Their support extends beyond footwear, as they also supply stationery packs for each child, they have painted our facilities, and even renovated our hall and cottages, including providing our children with brand-new bunk beds. Their contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of our children.”

Pignal offered heartfelt commendations at the event: "To Andile, director of Malvern Children's Home, I extend my sincerest admiration for your tireless dedication to the children's well-being. Your selfless efforts have made a profound impact on their lives. To the BCP and Bata team, I applaud your unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit. And to the children, I am truly inspired by your boundless creativity and enthusiasm. Continue to strive for excellence, cherish your unique talents, and know that you are loved and valued."

Lorraine Dyer, country manager of Bata South Africa, added: "Our paramount objective is to empower these children through education. Initially, we discovered that they were burdened with mundane tasks, such as washing their school clothes, leaving them with scant time for learning, homework, and the joy of childhood. Our intervention of donating washing machines and renovating their facilities aims to alleviate their struggles, optimise their daily routines and prioritise their educational journey.”

A sense of purpose

Eric Naidoo, Bata SA human resources generalist and BCP coordinator added: Our enduring partnership with Malvern Children's Home has enabled us to make a tangible difference. Through BCP, I've discovered a sense of purpose beyond the corporate sphere, where social responsibility and community engagement take centre stage. It's a testament to the positive change businesses can effect when prioritising giving back.”

Since its inception in 2010, the Bata Children's Programme (BCP) has unified diverse community initiatives under one impactful umbrella, driven by the belief that every child deserves the chance to unlock their full potential and build a future filled with possibilities. 

Over the past decade, BCP has expanded its reach to 23 countries, supporting over 400,000 children through programmes focused on education, health and wellbeing, mentorship, and environmental sustainability, all aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2023 alone, BCP volunteers dedicated over 50,000 hours to various causes.

Bata South Africa’s other volunteering initiatives under the BCP this year have included establishing libraries at Gourton Bridge Primary School and Ethelbert Children's Home, transforming these spaces into vibrant hubs for learning and exploration.