Cape Town – More than 800 primary school pupils in Cape Town have benefited from a nutrition and education initiative by Emirates, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) and the Kolisi Foundation, aimed at helping children overcome barriers to learning.
The Emirates Nourishment Programme brought together nutrition, rugby and creative activities at Eluxolweni Primary School, where pupils received breakfast, educational resources and an opportunity to interact with DHL Stormers players, including Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
Launched in June 2026, the long-term initiative provides nutritious breakfasts, educational resources and access to sporting role models for children in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
The programme aims to support 2,000 children annually and will run until at least 2030.
According to the organisers, more than 35,000 breakfasts have been distributed to children across the three cities since the programme was launched.
The Cape Town event began with representatives from Emirates, EPCR and the Kolisi Foundation helping to prepare and serve breakfast porridge to pupils.
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Emirates also distributed 820 backpacks from its Aircrafted KIDS collection, containing stationery, water bottles and age-appropriate books by local authors.
The pupils later participated in a rugby clinic led by DHL Stormers players Siya Kolisi, Lukhanyo Vokozela, BJ Dixon, Markus Muller, Ruan Ackermann, Leolin Zas, Vernon Matongo and JJ Kotze.
The activities included rugby drills and small-sided games designed to promote teamwork, communication, resilience and problem-solving.
Kolisi, founder of the Kolisi Foundation, said the initiative was about addressing inequalities that prevent children from reaching their full potential.
“Every child is born with potential, but not every child has the same opportunity to realise it. Whether it’s access to nutritious food, learning resources or someone who believes in them, our responsibility is to help remove those barriers,” he said.
“Today is incredibly special, but what excites me most is that this programme goes beyond today. It’s about giving every child the opportunity to thrive. It is easy to do a one-off partnership, but when you show long term commitment, it’s really important to create safety and security.”
Meaningful partnerships
Emirates Regional Manager for Southern Africa Afzal Parambil said the programme was intended to make a lasting difference in children’s lives beyond the classroom.
“At Emirates, we believe meaningful partnerships are those that make a lasting difference. Through the Emirates Nourishment Programme, we’re working with our partners to support children in ways that go beyond the classroom – providing nutrition to help them learn, access to resources that support their education and connecting them with inspiring role models,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to be part of an initiative that invests in South Africa’s next generation and reflects Emirates’ longstanding commitment to supporting the communities we serve.”
DHL Stormers player Vernon Matongo said the programme was particularly important for children who struggle with food insecurity.
“Some of those kids will only have the meal from the Nourishment Programme that they get in the morning, and that’s it for the day. And then they must concentrate in class, play sport in the afternoon. I don’t think any kid should have to go through those circumstances,” he said.
Matongo added that giving back to communities was important, particularly for players who had experienced similar challenges growing up.
“In a team, you get to know your teammates stories, and some players in the Stormers came from similar backgrounds. So, I think it’s very important to go and give back. Being able to contribute is massive, being able to see that was special for us,” he said.
Eluxolweni Primary School principal Brenda Mangali welcomed the collaboration, saying it demonstrated the importance of community involvement in children’s development.
The greatest gift
“They say it takes a village to raise a child and today is a beautiful reminder of that. We are incredibly grateful to have partners, parents and our community come together around our children,” she said.
“Beyond the excitement of today, the greatest gift is the message it sends to every learner: you matter, you are valued, and we believe in your future.”
The programme also included a creative workshop in which pupils made personalised backpack charms using upcycled leather repurposed from Emirates A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
The session was led by Maite Gonzalez Eizaguirre, head of Emirates Aircrafted at Emirates Engineering, with support from Emirates cabin crew and other team members.
In addition, a colourful mural celebrating South Africa’s natural beauty was unveiled at the school. Created by Cape Town-based artist Skhumbuzo Salman, founder of Skubalisto, the artwork features Table Mountain, protea flowers and lush vegetation, with a central message highlighting the importance of water conservation.
EPCR chief executive Jacques Raynaud said the initiative demonstrated how rugby could contribute to communities beyond sporting competitions.
“This programme shows what rugby can do beyond the pitch. Seeing the DHL Stormers players, our partners and the children share breakfast, a training session and a creative afternoon together is exactly what we hoped this programme would bring,” he said.
“Through impACT, our CSR strategy, we want our competitions to leave a positive and lasting legacy in the communities that welcome them, and South Africa is now very much part of our rugby family.”
He said EPCR was proud to work alongside Emirates and the Kolisi Foundation to help children begin their school days ready to learn.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
