BUSHBUCKRIDGE – Narishe Primary School in Shatale has received a significant boost through Debonairs Pizza’s flagship corporate social investment (CSI) programme, Doughnation, an initiative that transforms excess pizza dough into nutritious flatbreads for vulnerable communities while supporting schools and charitable organisations across South Africa.
Doughnation enables every Debonairs Pizza customer to contribute to fighting hunger. Every pizza purchased helps provide a flatbread to someone in need, turning an everyday meal into an act of kindness.Khanyisa Mzwakali, General Manager of Famous Brands responsible for Mpumalanga, Eswatini and Mozambique, said the initiative demonstrates how simple actions can make a lasting impact.«”Through Doughnation, Debonairs Pizza is turning regular meals into acts of kindness by creating flatbreads from the off-cuts of pizzas made every day.
By purchasing a Debonairs pizza, you help feed someone in need. Your dough makes a difference,” she said.»Launched in 2012, Doughnation continues to address the growing challenge of food insecurity in South Africa. According to Statistics South Africa’s latest food security report, the number of households experiencing food insecurity has increased steadily between 2019 and 2023.Beyond donating flatbreads, Debonairs Pizza branches also support communities by donating groceries and essential products, sponsoring youth initiatives and contributing to community development projects.
The three top-performing Debonairs Pizza stores for Doughnation donations nationally are Matsamo Mall, Nkomazi Plaza and Dwarsloop Mall in Mpumalanga. To celebrate their achievements, each store hosted a special community activation at a selected beneficiary organisation.One of these celebrations took place at Narishe Primary School, which has been serving the Shatale community since 1974.Julius Marsh, franchisee of the Debonairs Pizza Dwarsloop branch, said Doughnation strengthens relationships with local communities.«”Doughnation is our way of giving back.
It builds trust because communities see that we respond to their needs and deliver meaningful support,” he said.»As part of the activation, the Dwarsloop branch donated R50,000 to the school, along with three carports, 200 pairs of school socks, 200 water bottles, party packs, a gas stove, gas cylinders and a colourful pizza-themed mural.Narishe Primary School Principal, Ethel Mdluli, expressed gratitude for the donations.«”We are truly excited and grateful for the support received through Doughnation. The carports will protect our teachers’ vehicles, while the new gas stove will greatly improve the preparation of meals for our learners, as we previously cooked over an open fire.
The party packs also brought joy to many children who have never experienced a celebration like this.”»She encouraged the public to continue supporting the initiative.«”Your dough makes a difference—a huge, life-changing difference.”»Eugene Shakwane, Circuit Manager for the Shatale Circuit in the Bohlabela District, said initiatives such as Doughnation play an essential role in supporting under-resourced schools.He noted that many learners come from households affected by unemployment, and the flatbreads help improve learners’ concentration in class, while the donated resources strengthen the school’s learning environment.
The event concluded with learners, educators and guests sharing Debonairs pizzas and cool drinks in celebration of a day dedicated to generosity and community upliftment.Other beneficiaries of recent Doughnation activations in Mpumalanga include Abaduduzi Elderly Centre in Matsamo and Sitimele Disabled Organisation in Nkomazi, reflecting Debonairs Pizza’s continued commitment to feeding hope and making a meaningful difference in communities across the province.