Always believing that South Africans can achieve more by standing together, Mike Abel is encouraging everyone to show their belief in South Africa with the rallying call that says “I BELIEVE IN US!!!
South Africa (23 July 2021) – Following the devastating effects of the chaos that has hit two prominent provinces in our country, M&C Saatchi Abel CEO, Mike Abel, would like to remind South Africans to remain hopeful and help out where they can.
Abel wrote a letter to South Africans who live abroad, which has been read more than 150,000 times across various platforms since it was posted on the 15th of July but the South African is now calling on everyone to stand together… and believe in us!
“Right now, there is a pressing need to extend a hand to those affected. We created the “Facebook Frame” as a call to action, to stand together and to make a difference, along with a number of inspiring digital posts to share,” says Abel.
As the country takes stock of the devastating toll of the organised chaos and the accompanying large-scale looting in two provinces, South Africans from all walks of life have risen to the challenge to #RebuildSA. Creative Group of Companies M&C Saatchi Group South Africa, which has donated food for 200 families for a month, calls on citizens to rise to the challenge and help heal and change our country.
In what has been called a failed insurrection attempt, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng saw unprecedented destruction of hundreds of shopping malls, the closure of key routes, the decimation of factories, fanning of racial tensions, among much more, which threatens the livelihoods of millions of the poorest citizens. However, many more South Africans have come together and committed to rebuilding a country that’s fair and inclusive.
Founding partner and CEO Mike Abel recently wrote in an open letter to South Africans abroad, “What I do know about South Africa is every time we get to the very edge, the remarkable everyday people of this country pull us back from the brink. We regroup, re-evaluate and somehow recover.”
Abel says it is paramount that South Africans who want to help are exposed to how and where they can make a difference.
“One of our core values as a Group of Companies, and one which we believe is reflected in the spirit of ubuntu and the teachings of the founding father of our democracy Nelson Mandela, is that it is insincere giving that you receive. I’m honoured to be surrounded by partners and associates who drive meaningful initiatives to make a difference, and this is why M&C Saatchi Group South Africa has donated R120,000 to Transition to Transformation to feed 200 families for a critical month.”
To the backdrop of images of people standing in unimaginably long queues for basic supplies, Abel says that through working closely with his friend, Professor Nick Binedell of the Gordon
Institute of Business Science, it has been ascertained that about R600 will feed a family of four for a month.
“South Africans can donate to causes such as these with full knowledge that their gesture will make a meaningful difference. The key, though, is acting.”
Always believing that South Africans can achieve more by standing together, Abel encourages everyone to show their belief in South Africa by using a simple symbol designed for Facebook with the rallying call “I BELIEVE IN US.”
Right now, there is a pressing need to extend a hand to those affected.
“We created the Facebook Frame as a call to action, to stand together and to make a difference, along with a number of inspiring digital posts to share,” says Abel.
He says that optimism requires a steadfast belief that, as a country, we can achieve our potential and a dogged determination to do what needs to be done.
In his book Long Walk To Freedom, Mandela wrote: “I am fundamentally an optimist. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”
Abel adds that the benefit of showing how M&C Saatchi Group South Africa has become involved is that many friends, colleagues, and fellow businesses have donated quickly and meaningfully. He calls on South Africans who have the means and wish to donate to consider donating towards purchasing meal hampers for families in need.
The following details can be used:
Transition To Transformation
First Rand Bank (FNB)
Lynnwood Branch code: 252045
Account number: 62407740738
All funds go directly to the purchase and distribution of the food parcels.
Abel says that as South Africans rally together as they always have, it is M&C Saatchi Group South Africa’s hope that the government will use this opportunity to tackle the poverty and corruption that has contributed to this crisis.
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