Rainbow Chicken Exemplifies the Essence of Ubuntu - A Philosophy that Recognises Our Shared Humanity and Interconnectedness

By embracing the principle of “I am because we are,” Rainbow Chicken acknowledges that its success is deeply rooted in the collective strength and dedication of its employees. This understanding drives the company to invest not only in the professional growth of its people but also in the well-being of their families and the broader communities they call home. “At Rainbow Chicken, we believe that success lies in our collective growth and the strength of our community. Through our collaboration with the DO MORE FOUNDATION, we strive to create a brighter future for everyone," says Marthinus Stander, CEO at Rainbow Chicken.

THE EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY MODEL

The African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” highlights the power of collaboration - a principle central to both the DO MORE FOUNDATION (DMF) and Rainbow Chicken’s approach to community development.

Rainbow has played a pivotal role in advancing DMF’s Everyone Gets to PLAY (EGTP) model. This model brings together government, business, civil society, and non-profits to co-create a shared vision for young children in South Africa. It’s guided by the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy and focuses on eight key pillars: early learning, parent and caregiver support, child and maternal health, nutrition and food security, the first 1000 days, child protection, infrastructure development, and capacity building and leadership.

RAINBOW'S IMPACT IN ACTION

Rainbow’s partnership with the DO MORE FOUNDATION exemplifies what it means to nourish a nation, both in body and in spirit. In October 2023, Rainbow enabled the planting of vegetable gardens and the installation of water tanks at 50 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres around their operations, creating sustainable sources of nutrition and well-being for children and their communities.

Rainbow’s investment in DMF’s national porridge nutrition programme has further deepened their impact. In Hammarsdale, Worcester, and Rustenburg, this initiative reaches 9,407 young children, ensuring that they receive the nourishment they need to thrive, because well-nourished children learn well. In Worcester alone, 98 ECD centres benefit from the porridge programme. In Rustenburg, 60 ECD centres are supported, alongside a toy-making project that supports a local disability centre.

In Hammarsdale, 40 ECD centres are reached, alongside enterprise development initiatives that stimulate local economies. Rainbow’s nutrition support also extends to Tembisa, Wolwehoek, and Carolina, ensuring the delivery of porridge and resources to additional high-need communities.

EMPOWERING FAMILIES THROUGH EDUCATION AND PLAY

In addition to its focus on nutrition, Rainbow proudly supports the EAT LOVE PLAY TALK programme - a dynamic parenting and caregiving initiative designed to nurture the holistic development of children under five. Developed by DMF and its partners, this programme transforms national nutrition policy into simple, playful, and practical activities that empower parents and caregivers.

EAT LOVE PLAY TALK promotes four key pillars of early childhood development: healthy eating, loving relationships, playful learning, and language growth. It offers hands-on guidance to help families make informed choices, especially around nutrition. The programme breaks down essential food groups into easy-to-understand categories:

• Foods that build – such as chicken and other protein-rich foods that support growth and development.
• Foods that protect – focusing on fruits and vegetables that strengthen immunity and overall health.
• Foods that give you energy – highlighting the difference between healthy carbohydrates and less nutritious options, with practical tips on reducing sugar intake.

By combining expert knowledge with everyday parenting, the programme helps give every child the best possible start in life. This initiative empowers both caregivers and ECD practitioners with practical tools to create positive, responsive environments that support learning and long-term well-being. By doing so, Rainbow supports families and frontline educators in becoming powerful change-makers for the next generation.

DOING MORE TO NOURISH THE NATION

Rainbow’s commitment to social upliftment goes far beyond the farms and factory floor. By supporting initiatives that have already reached hundreds of thousands of individuals, Rainbow plays a critical role in helping DMF create a brighter, more sustainable future for South Africa’s children.

This partnership is about more than just giving, it’s about growing. Together, Rainbow and the DO MORE FOUNDATION are nourishing young minds, strengthening families, and planting the seeds for a hopeful, thriving South Africa.

To learn more or explore a partnership, please contact Kris.Fenton@domore.org.za