OVER the past year alone, Ronald McDonald House Charities South Africa facilitated 8,464 overnight stays, provided 90,610 meals across the House and Family Rooms and supported 34,365 lactation visits by mothers who expressed 1,972 litres of breast milk, saving hospitals millions of rands in formula costs.
This week, saw industry giants and Doctors converging under the roof of the popular Nelson Mandela Childrens’ Hospital, Parktown, to not only open cheque books, but also lend support to the needy, as part of the inaugural CEO Sleep-In initiative in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities South Africa (RMHC SA).
And they looked swagger in top designer suits and gowns, as soothing music welcomed guests atop the roof of the hospital.
“This is close to my heart, personally, and for my team, hence our partnership in this very important gesture,” remarked the Lions Cricket boss Jono Leaf-Wright.
Prior to the evening proceedings, I was fortunate to have been invited to tour the hospital alongside two executives, who were impressed by the cleanness of 27 rooms, of which each corporate has adopted, as per the signage outside each door that represents far more than accommodation; it represents dignity, stability and hope for families navigating some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Max Oliva, CEO at McDonald’s South Africa, emphasised the deeper meaning of the initiative: “It is both a privilege and a profound responsibility to stand not only as the CEO of McDonald’s South Africa, but as a steward of influence and impact.
As we accelerate the growth of our Golden Arches across the country, we are equally committed to meaningfully fostering and feeding the communities in which we operate.
Tonight is more than a fundraising dinner. For the families who walk through these doors, this is not symbolism. It is shelter. It is dignity. It is proximity to hope.”
McDonald’s South Africa, who are the main funders of the Ronald McDonald House Charities South Africa, continues to anchor its growth in purpose-led impact.
The RMHC concept was brought to SA by franchisee and Golf aficionado ntate Reggie Skhosana, whose vision helped bring the initiative to life locally after visiting McDonald’s in Australia, who cited ‘this puts my heart at ease at night, though we can still do more’.
“I am incredibly proud that our McDonald’s South Africa team embraced this idea and turned it into a movement of shared value and shared responsibility,” he said.
The initiative is calling on corporate leaders to adopt one of the 27 rooms through a minimum six-month commitment of R50,000.
The funding will support infrastructure, operations, staffing and the long-term sustainability of the House, as well as its expansion plans.
Among those expansion plans is the launch of a Mothers’ Lodge at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital precinct, providing dignified accommodation for mothers whose children are undergoing treatment.
“This initiative would not be possible without the passion and commitment of our franchisees, partners, and the leadership who brought this vision to fruition 14 years ago.
It is a powerful reminder that meaningful impact is built collectively. Tonight, in honour of 27 years of sacrifice, let us commit to 27 rooms of hope,” continued Oliva, on paying tribute to the team that transformed the concept into reality.
Customers and franchisees also play a vital role in sustaining the House. Through R5 donations and the 50c donations from Happy Meals sold in restaurants nationwide, small, everyday contributions accumulate into life-changing support for families.
The colourful CEO of RMHC South Africa, Matshepo Msibi, reinforced the urgent need for sustained corporate partnership: “Ronald McDonald House is no longer just a charitable extension of McDonald’s. It has grown into a shared platform for corporate citizenship.
Yet, its continued growth depends on broader and deeper collaboration and partnership.
When a company adopts a room, it is not placing a logo on a door; it is underwriting stability and making a difference to a family at their most vulnerable moment.”
As CEOs spent the night in solidarity, the message was clear: philanthropy has evolved. It demands measurable and sustainable impact, long-term partnership and proximity to beneficiaries.
Unfortunately, yours truly did not spend the sleep-in at the hospital, but the message grew louder for every South African to support this all important initiative.
Image supplied (From L to R- Nicolas Marcell, RMHC Chairperson, Matshepo Msibi, RMHC CEO and Max Oliva, McDonalds SA CEO).
