The 61 year old proudly South African, PepsiCo brand is giving away R5 million towards families’ education needs – and couldn’t had picked any apt celebrities to promote an initiative seeking to honour South Africans who have sacrificed their own dreams, hopes and ambitions and given up time or money for their loved ones’ education, than the fetching duo.
After all, Thabethe happens to be a Soweto-raised daughter of a school teacher mother, whilst Richards Bay-raised Nkosi, was brought up by a school inspector mother.
To celebrate Simba’s 2018 #Mapha [meaning to share] Back to School competition, the pair wowed queuing excited fans inside the shopping complex’s food court by taking turns to inscribe personal messages on what was billed as South Africa’s biggest Thank You Card [measuring over 6 meters in height] and thereafter posing for pictures and selfies with them.
Thabethe, a graduate of the National School of Arts who deems it a privilege to be working in a field she studied, spoke about her passion for education and pointed out that it was a gift which kept on giving – adding that her mother’s sacrifices resulted in her and her sister becoming the professionals that they are in society today.
Her message partly read: Mom, thank you for everything you’ve taught me; everything you’ve sacrificed for Mbali and I. I’m an independent woman because of you.
Nkosi on her part, described the campaign as a no-brainer whilst declaring that her mother is an Esikhawini life-changer. She scribbled the following on the towering card: Thank you mom and dad, love; thank you to all the ladies and teachers and sisters, all the boarding schools I went to for the love, support, encouragement, and always making sure I was doing my best. I thank you … I love you!! You made me who I am … Jessica Nkosi.
South Africans can read about their inspirational stories on Simba’s Facebook page.
Whilst the actresses were blissfully posing for an official photographer, Pimville resident, Mohau Masike, one of the people patiently waiting in the queue to sign the card revealed that his motivation was to sign on his 11 month old daughter, Dintle’s behalf – further adding that he contributed to the child’s education fund.
Masike was one of the visitors to Maponya Mall who were invited to sign the giant card with personal messages to those who supported their education. For some it was a parent, a relative or a teacher and to others even an entire community.
No message was too long, too short – Simba truly created the perfect way to say ‘Thank You’ to those who have helped brighten the future for others. They also received standard sized thank you cards with their professional photographs inside so they could gift to those who contributed to their education.
Their stories not only showcase the power of education, and how helping your loved ones achieve can produce the greatest success stories but also that South Africa is filled with real-life heroes – especially those who Mapha for the success of others.
As a favourite snack to share with others, Simba [South Africa’s favourite snack since 1957] is giving everyday South Africans the chance to become heroes and Mapha (share) towards their loved one’s education.
This January and February in celebration of the Back To School season, fans stand a chance to win their share of R5 million towards their family’s education needs, through a campaign that reinforces that some things (such as education) are better when you Mapha.
To enter, purchase a packet of Simba Potato chips (any flavour or packet size), dial *120*74622# and follow the instructions.
There are various prizes to be won such as; scholarships and bursaries, school uniforms, laptops, textbook vouchers and stationary vouchers.
To view some winner stories visit Simba’s Facebook Page.
Through its Mapha campaign and the giant Thank You Card, Simba aims to truly bring home the message that sharing is caring and things are always better when you Mapha.
Website: http://www.simba.co.za/
