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There will probably never be a Workers’ Day, celebrated annually on 1 May, more poignant than this one. This year it comes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which is compelling essential workers in South Africa and across the globe to literally put their lives on the line for their fellow citizens every day.
Every night at 8 pm, people cheer loudly to let healthcare workers know their efforts are appreciated. But at MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet, wish to take the lead this Workers’ Day in recognising and applauding not only those brave healthcare workers at the coalface but also our wide range of other essential workers.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his address to the country on 24 April, paid tribute to those fellow South Africans – the truck, taxi, bus and train drivers; the airline staff repatriating South African citizens; the workers on farms, in stores, at power stations, at water plants, at petrol stations, in banks and in call centres; the delivery workers; those removing waste and recyclables; and the law enforcement officials and security personnel.
“We cannot agree more with our President that it is thanks to the efforts of this group of largely unheralded workers that South Africa has been able to make such critical progress in the bid to curb the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Pieter Twine, General Manager of the community loyalty programme.
MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet has stepped up to the plate to support the COVID-19 national funding effort, donating R500 000 to the Solidarity Fund, R500 000 to animal welfare organisations, and, in partnership with Woolworths, R500 000 to Gift of the Givers.
“We take very seriously our role as a corporate citizen in the joint South African effort to curb the threat this pandemic poses to the lives of South Africans, and we want to take this opportunity on Workers’ Day to thank every single one of our essential workers for their courage in adversity.”
“But we also want to give a special thank you this Workers’ Day to everyone who is working hard at home, often in difficult circumstances, to help keep the wheels of our economy turning,” Twine adds. “All these contributions are critical at this time, and will go a long way to help kickstart our economy again when we emerge at the other end of this crisis.”
Applauding teachers who are providing assistance to learners in their homes and companies that have pivoted operations to begin creating alternative products and services to support the country’s bid to flatten the curve, Twine says South Africans have risen to the occasion, adjusting to the “new normal” and continuing to do their best despite the challenges.
“Workers’ Day is a day to recognise every single South African doing their work and to thank them for their many and varied contributions to our beautiful nation.”
Remember that MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet is continuing its efforts to help organisations in need across South Africa during this unprecedented time. You can help them help others by swiping your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet or linked Woolworths card every time you shop for essentials in-store or online.