COMMENTARY

COVID‑19

As previously reported, most of Tiger Brands’ manufacturing and distribution sites were classified as essential services and have continued to operate during the Lockdown period. However, certain facilities and offices were closed in line with regulatory requirements or demand dynamics. To ensure the health and safety of our employees, a number of measures have been implemented, including private transport for staff, staggered shifts where possible to ensure safe working conditions and increased health screening and awareness across the Group. All affected facilities, which were temporarily closed, have resumed operations except for sorghum‑based beverages which remains closed in terms of the regulations.

We acknowledge the exceptional contribution by our employees who have selflessly contributed to ensuring food security during the Lockdown period.

Furthermore, to demonstrate our commitment in overcoming this crisis, our food‑based social interventions include continuing with the current Family Food Programme to support around 30 000 individuals with meals every day; expanding the current School Nutrition Programme with the Department of Basic Education to provide meals to communities during the Lockdown period where these would have ordinarily been facilitated directly through the Tiger Brands Foundation’s In‑school Breakfast Programme; and the continuation of the University Food Programme despite the institutions being closed. The latter programme currently feeds around 4 500 university students at five universities across eight campuses in South Africa. In addition, we are supporting Food Forward with food items on a weekly basis to distribute food parcels across the country to communities in need. To assist with Covid‑19 relief initiatives, the Executive Committee and Board of Directors have agreed to forfeit up to 30% of their salaries and fees for a total period of three months during the duration of the Lockdown.