Global footwear company, Bata, commemorated its 130th anniversary this year, uniting its global workforce in a shared mission to positively impact the communities it serves
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).
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.”
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.”
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.
Since its inception in 2010, the Bata Children’s Program (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 well-being, 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.
Bata South Africa
Founded in 1894, Bata is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and retailers of quality footwear. A global concern with more than 30,000 employees, 24 production facilities, over 5,000 stores in more than 70 countries across the globe, Bata has been providing the best shoes at the best prices, backed by unparalleled service, for 120 years. The family-owned business sells more than 180 million pairs of shoes per year in 5,800 retail outlets and produces locally in 22 Bata-owned manufacturing facilities across five continents. In South Africa, Bata locally owns, manufactures, and retails shoe brands including Toughees, TOMY Takkies, North Star, American Cup, Pata Pata, Safari, Bata Industrials and B-First.
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