Water: Working for Water

Nestlé works in partnership with the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry in its 'Working for Water' programme. This programme, part of South Africa's National Water Conservation Campaign, clears invasive plants from mountain streams and wetlands to increase the volume of available water. Educational material (videos) are produced to demonstrate the programme and its benefits. These videos have been shown to, and were well received by, the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry as well as the then President Nelson Mandela and his Cabinet.

Environment: World Wildlife Foundation

Nestlé supports a WWF Program to promote sustainable farming and water conservation at the village level.

Women's Education: Soul City

A television, radio, and print education program on basic health topics for mothers and children, Soul City was launched by former Health Minister Zuma and developed by the Institute of Urban Primary Health Care. More than 3 million women have seen the Soul City booklet.

Health Services: The Valley Trust

A regional health organisation which has developed a model rural District Health System, benefiting approximately 80,000 people with preventive health and medical services.

Nutrition: The Nutrition Society of South Africa

The organisation of professional nutritionists awards an annual Nestlé Community Nutrition Prize for the best submission of a project to improve the nutritional status of the South African population at the village level.

Microfinance: The Get Ahead Foundation

The Get Ahead Foundation helps the unemployed to start small businesses through small loans.

Conclusion

The contribution of companies in reducing poverty and malnutrition comes primarily from a commitment to the economy that includes investment capital, transfer of technology, investing in education and building of infrastructure.

Actively participating in the community and building strong relations with community organisations has for many years been an integral part of Nestlé's role in South Africa. The company will continue to invest time, resources and energy in South African communities in order to promote economic, political, and social development and to empower consumers with the knowledge and financial means to be full participants in the economy.