COVID-19: Massmart’s execs take pay cuts to help feed the hungry

In response to President Cyril Ramaphosa's call for companies to join the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Massmart, a JSE-listed company, and Walmart International have teamed up to donate a massive 230 tons of food to FoodForward South Africa. Kuseni Dlamini, Chairman of Massmart, shared in an interview with CNBC Africa that the donation will equate to approximately 1.85 million meals and is a testament to the commitment of the board and executives to stand in solidarity with the South African community during these challenging times. The food donation is expected to benefit the needy and vulnerable in the country. Dlamini highlighted the importance of partnerships, specifically with FoodForward South Africa, to ensure the efficient and timely distribution of the food to those who need it most. Furthermore, Dlamini emphasized that the donation by Massmart executives and board members is funded through their own pay and stated that the company has taken various measures to support its employees during the crisis. These actions include paying a special COVID-19 bonus to staff working on the front lines, continued salary payments for non-essential workers, and providing special paid leave for pregnant employees to ensure their safety. Dlamini underscored the importance of demonstrating care and support for employees not just through words but through concrete actions. When asked about Massmart's performance amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, Dlamini acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the situation and highlighted the company's focus on ensuring business resilience. He mentioned the establishment of a COVID-19 response team that meets daily to assess the operating environment and make proactive decisions to navigate the crisis. In addition, Dlamini discussed Massmart's support for small businesses, noting that the company views them as strategic partners. Massmart has provided funding for some suppliers to repurpose their manufacturing facilities to produce essential items such as hand sanitizers, masks, and face visors. This initiative aims to support suppliers during this difficult period and strengthen the relationship between Massmart and its partners. As companies across various industries face uncertainty and challenges due to the ongoing pandemic, Massmart's commitment to supporting the community, employees, and small business partners exemplifies a proactive and compassionate approach to navigating these turbulent times.