Emthethweni Primary was the second beneficiary of the campaign in 2024 after Kgololo Academy in Alexandra received its playground in March.

The brand says that it will continue on its journey of positive play; it will change the narrative about play and educate both parents and teachers about the benefits of better-quality play for children.

Emthethweni Primary School was nominated by one of Sasko's loyal customers as a befitting beneficiary of the SASKO 'Siyasizana' campaign. 

According to the brand, the 'Play Better' initiative's focus is to positively impact five million children at ECD and primary schools across the country by building new playgrounds and upgrading existing ones. Leading by example and putting care into action, SASKO has reiterated the importance of living its 'People Who Care, Makes Things Better' slogan. 

The playground handover is a tool aimed at raising awareness about the importance of positive play and its benefits for children in communities, especially the poor ones with limited access to play areas, says SASKO. 

The initiative, informed by insights contained in the 2022 Lego Play Well Report, reveals that the mental, physical and emotional benefits of developmental and social play — at an early age — can help reduce the prevalence and impact of low self-esteem and allow children to develop life skills, fostering better cognitive development. 

SASKO marketing director Nomsa Khanyile has highlighted SASKO's commitment to impacting and contributing positively to young people's lives from an early age, as that is when children are the most vulnerable but also the most impressionable.

"While our core business is selling bread, it is equally important for us as a brand to collaborate with communities and plough into the very same communities," says Khanyile. "Gone are the days where everyone wants to blame our government, it is everyone's responsibility to play a positive role in our communities and have influence."

"We at SASKO have rolled up our sleeves as one of South Africa's beloved consumer brand by playing our part in improving these children's lives. At SASKO, 'care' forms the basis of our commitments, and we always been committed to caring for South African communities," adds Khanyile. 

"If we could all practice kindness and improve lives on a daily basis, our children will follow suit and they will learn that kindness isn't the big things, but it starts with the little things," says Nomawethu Ngadlela, SASKO's marketing manager. "Can you imagine the kind of loving communities we will have?"

"As a school, we are excited and grateful to SASKO for continuously playing a positive role in our society," says Sibusiso Makhoba, principal of Emthethweni Primary School. 

"The playground will surely allow our children to enjoying their break times, and we are also elated with winning the R30 000 money, which will be used to buy laptops for the school after our computers were stolen when the school was broken into last year. The school used to have teachers from surrounding schools and our kids take computer classes and I am happy that those days are coming back," adds Makhoba.

SASKO says that to participate, consumers can:

  • purchase any SASKO bread, buns, or rolls
  • scan the QR code or WhatsApp us on 068 746 2356, and
  • nominate a primary school or daycare to receive a R10 000 playground upgrade.

Individuals can also stand to win R5 000 in cash. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information, visit www.sasko.co.za.  You can also follow SASKO on Facebook, X or Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor