Capping off a long-weekend of giving, the Moti Cares Foundation and volunteers spent this year’s Youth Day distributing over 2,000 blankets and 2,000 bread loaves to vulnerable communities in Langlaagte and Vrededorp. This event forms part of a larger initiative that will see the group handing out a total of 20,000 blankets, as well as thousands of food parcels and sweet packets for children and families across Gauteng.

“Youth Day reminds us of the importance of change through action, so it represented the perfect time to show up for those in need,” said Zunaid Moti, investor, philanthropist, and founder of the Moti Cares Foundation. “Every year, we see the deep impact that even a simple gesture like a warm blanket or a loaf of bread can have on the life of another, and I’m grateful to the many volunteers who were willing to join us in lending a helping hand, and spreading hope and comfort.”

The Langlaagte and Vrededorp handovers took place in parks within residential areas served by the programme. Immediately after, volunteers also distributed blankets and bread to individuals experiencing homelessness in Mayfair, as well as to the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Coronationville.

Langlaagte and Vrededorp were selected following a month-long nomination period where people submitted the names of their favourite communities and non-profit organisations on social media. Submissions were reviewed by the Foundation’s vetting team, and handovers were coordinated with established non-profit organisations to ensure donations reached those who needed them most.

This year’s blanket drive is part of the Moti Cares Foundation’s ongoing work to support vulnerable communities across South Africa. Over the years, the Foundation has provided thousands of blankets and food parcels to those in need, with key moments including the large-scale distribution of over two million meals in response to the KwaZulu-Natal riots in 2021. Through these continued efforts, Moti Cares remains committed to bringing warmth, relief, and dignity to those who need it most.

Monday’s donation followed the programme’s kick-off event on Sunday at the Katlehong Art Centre, where 800 blankets, 600 loaves of bread, and children’s sweet packets were handed out to community members. The remainder of this year’s 20,000 blankets will roll out over the next few weeks as winter slowly approaches its peak, with Soweto next on the list for the coming weekend.

“Every year, the need for this type of programme becomes clearer to us. Over the past few weeks, we’ve received countless messages from concerned residents sharing stories of fellow community members braving the cold nights with little more than a blanket and a t-shirt. Realities like these really drive home just how much need is out there.

“With this in mind, I would encourage other business leaders to look into their hearts and to give whatever they can. Through collective effort and close cooperation, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who deserve our compassion and care,” concludes Moti.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has come under the spotlight recently, with many US companies rolling back their DEI initiatives in a changing geo-political climate. This is a highly emotive topic, with many different perspectives and opinions surrounding it.

Does the changing US political climate mean that we should abandon these principles? I believe not. This is an instance where globalisation is not the same as homogenisation. There is a different conversation to be had about DEI initiatives in Africa.

Africa’s history has a critical bearing on DEI initiatives

Africa is often described as a great melting pot – and with good reason. This vast continent has a rich tapestry of cultures, languages and ethnicities. However, it also has historical, political and economic factors that have often favoured and disproportionately benefitted certain groups, leaving others marginalised based on ethnicity, gender, disability or geographical location. Inherent diversity in a country or continent does not automatically translate into equity or inclusion.

The first, and one would hope obvious, point of departure for an Africa-focused conversation about the merits of a DEI initiative is historical influence. Some countries in Africa have spent many years overcoming the imbalances wrought by a legacy of colonialism. Others, such as South Africa, seek to redress imbalances that arose from discriminatory policies such as apartheid. Whatever it may look like today, the heart of DEI aims to build fairer and more inclusive workplaces and communities.

One of the core reasons that DEI initiatives are vital in Africa is their role in promoting social and economic inclusion. By ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equitable access to opportunities, DEI initiatives help to level the playing field. This is particularly important on a continent where economic disparities are stark, and access to resources and opportunities is often unevenly distributed.

It’s not surprising, then, that South Africa and many countries across Africa have entrenched DEI principles into business and legislative structures. Rwanda, for instance, has set a global benchmark for gender representation in government, leading to significant progress on this front.

The services sector benefits from DEI initiatives

Low- and middle-income countries face challenges in creating sustainable jobs to drive economic growth. A recent report by McKinsey noted that while the focus often rests on manufacturing, services can and should play a greater role in driving economic growth. Globally, value-added trade in services now exceeds trade in goods, and services are growing faster than the total world economy. Providing jobs in the services sector is one way to mitigate migration across international borders by creating jobs of value in countries of origin.

Here, the practice of impact sourcing as a model has huge value. Impact sourcing contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing stable, well-paying jobs that allow individuals to support their families and invest in their communities. Providing skilled workers at an affordable rate creates employment opportunities in regions that have been historically underserved.

Impact sourcing initiatives focus on training and employing individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping to develop economic empowerment while addressing gender imbalances in the workplace. This ripple effect can lead to improved local economies and better access to education and healthcare, further addressing the systemic issues that have long plagued these regions.

Diversity has its own value for companies

There has been unevenness and even excess in the implementation of DEI targets and goals. It would be ridiculous to suggest otherwise. However, DEI initiatives are instrumental in driving innovation and organisational success. Diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives and ideas, which can lead to more creative solutions and decision-making.

It also benefits the bottom line. Research has shown that companies with diverse workforces are more likely to outperform their peers in terms of profitability and productivity. In the African context, where businesses must navigate complex and varied markets, the ability to draw on diverse perspectives is a critical competitive advantage. Impact sourcing promotes inclusivity and diversity within the workforce, which can lead to more innovative and resilient business practices.

Organisations that adopt an impact sourcing model often experience lower attrition rates, improved employee engagement, and cost-effective talent acquisition, leading to long-term operational efficiency. Employees recruited through impact sourcing initiatives tend to be highly motivated and loyal, reducing hiring and training costs over time. By tapping into a diverse talent pool, companies can benefit from a wide range of perspectives and ideas, ultimately driving better business outcomes while building a future-ready workforce.

We should all focus on creating inclusive environments

Inclusion focuses on creating environments where everyone feels welcome and valued. Surely this is something we all aspire towards in our lives? We live in a highly fragmented, polarized world, but I refuse to accept that we should turn our backs on creating spaces that are welcoming. It sounds simple enough, yet we know all too well how difficult it can be to listen to another person or group’s opposing views, to take the time and energy to really try to listen beyond rhetoric to understand someone else’s standpoint.

When appropriately and sensitively implemented, DEI initiatives contribute to social cohesion and stability. By addressing systemic inequalities and promoting inclusive decision-making, DEI initiatives help to build trust and cooperation among different groups. This is particularly important in regions with a history of conflict or tension between different ethnic or social groups. Inclusive policies can help to mitigate these tensions and foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

Let us also not forget that DEI does not only apply to ethnic or social groups – we must also consider the value that people with disabilities can bring to a company. Impact sourcing also benefits women, DEI initiatives align with global sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and promoting gender equality (SDG 5).

A nuanced conversation is needed

Africa is part of the global economy, but DEI initiatives are crucial for redressing historical imbalances. Companies across the continent should not be overly influenced by political debates in countries and regions that have differing priorities. Many African countries have a legacy of skewed economic structures, and limited access to job opportunities. Impact sourcing models and service sector employment opportunities can go a long way to mitigating the effects of the past and opening up economic growth for a more prosperous future.

Qatar Airways is proud to announce a new gastronomic collaboration with acclaimed French chef Yannick Alléno, one of the world’s most celebrated culinary figures. With 17 MICHELIN stars across 19 restaurants in seven countries, Chef Alléno brings his visionary approach to modern cuisine to the airline’s award-winning experience — from the skies to its most exclusive lounges.

This culinary partnership reaffirms Qatar Airways’ commitment to delivering a refined, multi-sensory journey for its passengers through elegant dining, impeccable service, and culturally rich storytelling at its core.

Qatar Airways Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer, Mr. Thabet Musleh, said: “At Qatar Airways, we are constantly striving to innovate and collaborate with the best in their fields. Chef Yannick Alléno – one of the most celebrated names in global gastronomy, represents a benchmark for excellence that reflects our shared passion for innovation, sophistication, and the art of hospitality.”

Chef Yannick Alléno, said: “Partnering with Qatar Airways, whose reputation for excellence is undisputed, is a true honour. Together, we have crafted menus that reflect our shared values and aim to leave travellers with a lasting impression and a timeless moment.”

Blending French refinement with global influences, the bespoke menus curated by Chef Alléno will be introduced in First and Business Class, and later extended to select premium lounges. These menus are a celebration of l’art de vivre – the French art of living  and reflect both brands’ dedication to craftsmanship, and hospitality.

Passengers can look forward to several remarkable culinary experiences, including:

The opening of a Pavyllon restaurant in the prestigious First Class Lounge at Hamad International Airport in Doha, offering diners a seat at the counter facing an open kitchen – a signature of Alléno’s “gastronomic counter” concept.

The introduction of exclusive creations for Qatar Airways lounges at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.

The debut of First and Business Class menus on selected flights between Paris and Doha, showcasing Alléno’s interpretation of modern French cuisine.

Each dish tells a story, inviting passengers to engage with the essence of ingredient-driven cooking, fermentation, and technique – all hallmarks of Alléno’s culinary identity.

Through this collaboration, Qatar Airways reaffirms its mission to elevate the art of living at altitude. By joining forces with one of the most innovative chefs of our time, the airline transforms inflight dining into an unforgettable cultural and gastronomic experience.

Already renowned for its partnerships with the world’s top chefs, Qatar Airways continues to redefine onboard dining, setting a new benchmark for hospitality and flavour in the sky.

In South Africa, a partnership with the prestigious Capsicum Culinary Academy has seen the award-winning airline recruit young African chefs. Onboard, traditional flavours such as biltong beef soup, lamb potjie or bunny chow feature on the menu.

FlySafair has been recognised as the Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa at this year’s Skytrax World Airline Awards. This marks the fourth time the airline has received top honours in this category in recent years. Veni Buyers, Customer Care Centre Manager, and Mandy Immelman, Cabin Services Manager, attended the ceremony in Paris and collected the award on behalf of the FlySafair team.

“To be recognised by Skytrax is proof of our team’s dedication and hard work,” says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “For more than a decade, we’ve worked tirelessly towards providing South Africans with affordable, hassle-free, and on-time travel. It’s always encouraging to see this commitment to our customers and the industry as a whole recognised on a global stage.”

Each year, Skytrax conducts the largest airline customer satisfaction survey to determine the best airlines in the world across 80 categories. The goal is to allow customers to share their thoughts on what makes an airline great.

“Knowing that the judges are airline passengers from all over the world makes these awards truly unique. It’s a huge compliment from our customers that they filled in this global survey with us top of mind,” says Gordon.

Over the years, the airline has picked up awards in various categories, including its on-time performance (OTP), which is a point of pride for the airline and one that underpins its success. FlySafair’s OTP rating for May was 95.45% and has not dipped below 93% in 2025.

“Being transparent about our OTP rating is incredibly important to what we do at FlySafair. It keeps us accountable to our customers and ensures we run an efficient and safe operation from take-off to landing.”

Earlier this month, FlySafair launched its latest customer service feature, Lindi, an AI-powered travel agent. As the first free AI travel assistant in South Africa, Lindi can book flights for a passenger, change a name or seat, and provide travel information via WhatsApp, 24 hours a day.

“We’ve always looked to leverage technology in new and exciting ways to make our customer service as helpful, efficient and seamless as possible. AI presents an opportunity for us to achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction among our passengers,” says Gordon.

This latest accolade affirms FlySafair’s place among Africa’s aviation leaders. With a continued focus on customer experience, operational excellence, and affordability, FlySafair remains committed to keeping South Africans and passengers across the region connected reliably, efficiently, and with heart.