Some of the most meaningful social impact in South Africa happens quietly in the homes and backyards of ordinary citizens. For years, long before receiving formal support, Mmasechaba Mashigo opened her gates to children and families in her community, providing warm, nutritious meals along with care, dignity, and a sense of belonging.
In celebration of Mandela Day, iconic food brand Knorrox officially handed over a fully equipped community kitchen to Mashigo on 17 July 2026. The handover marks a milestone for the community and represents the flagship project of the Knorrox We Give A Bull initiative, which recognizes everyday South Africans quietly working to nourish their neighborhoods.
Beyond physical equipment and resources, the initiative focused on long-term sustainability and compliance. Knorrox supported the facility in aligning with the Department of Health’s Regulation R638, which sets the mandatory food safety and hygiene standards for food preparation premises.
To ensure lasting operational success, Mashigo received comprehensive food safety training covering:
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Basic hygiene for food handlers
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Kitchen safety and cleaning principles
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Internationally recognized Keys to Safe Food practices “This kitchen handover was never just about providing equipment,” said Thobeka Goba, Marketing Manager for Knorrox. “It was about strengthening the vital role community kitchens play in local nutrition. Mmasechaba was feeding her community long before Knorrox knew her name. Our role was simply to stand behind her commitment and provide the tools and training to help her continue serving safe, nutritious meals with dignity.”
Goba also praised Mashigo’s leadership at a young age:“Many people her age are only beginning to discover how they want to contribute to the world, yet she has already dedicated so much of herself to improving lives. Her journey reminds us that community impact doesn’t require age or permission—it begins with simply showing up.”
The handover also brought attention to a pressing public health issue in South Africa: the double burden of malnutrition and hidden hunger, where meals may fill stomachs but lack essential micronutrients vital for child development. “South Africa experiences a double burden of malnutrition where undernutrition coexists with hidden hunger,” explained Silindile Mbele, Nutrition and Health Assistant Manager at Unilever. “Community kitchens play a critical role in expanding access to nutrient-rich, safe meals. By equipping and training champions like Mmasechaba, we are helping build healthier futures for vulnerable families.”
The We Give A Bull campaign was launched to spotlight unseen community builders. Earlier this year, residents across Gauteng were invited to nominate local heroes. Following dozens of entries, Mashigo’s kitchen was selected as the first recipient of the program’s structural support.
Accepting the handover, Mashigo remained humble: “There are so many women like me cooking in backyards, church halls, and community centers to ensure no child goes to bed hungry,” Mashigo shared. “This recognition may have my name on it today, but it belongs to all of them. For me, this support means peace of mind. It means being able to sleep at night knowing that when a child comes to my gate tomorrow, I won’t have to choose who gets fed and who doesn’t.”
The official event brought together community members, nutrition experts, media, and brand representatives for a morning of shared purpose, concluding with a meal prepared by Mashigo in her newly upgraded kitchen.
