Capricorn Foundation launches food waste challenge
Connectors of positive change
The Food Waste Challenge is based on an open innovation platform, offering N$100 000 for the winning solution from the Capricorn Foundation.
The Capricorn Group and its subsidiary companies aspire to be connectors of positive change by creating economic value in a responsible way that creates sustainable opportunities for advancing and improving the economic and social conditions in the communities where they operate. The foundation was established in February 2020 as a non-profit association incorporated under section 21 of the Company’s Act in Namibia, as the Group’s vehicle for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The foundation is funded by the Group and its Namibian operating entities. The Bank Windhoek Social Investment Fund has, to date, been the main contributor to the group’s social investment. The Bank Windhoek Social Investment Fund will continue to support a number of its signature projects, in addition to its financial support to the Capricorn Foundation. The Foundation will also solicit funds from other donor companies, individuals and organisations which share the vision, goals and philosophy of the foundation.
The Capricorn Foundation formally introduced its Food Waste Challenge 2022 yesterday. This comes after the challenge's launch was announced on June 29, 2022, and the public was encouraged to come up with creative methods to reduce food waste in Namibia. The goal of the challenge is to find solutions to feed every Namibian who is in need, regardless of their vulnerability, rather than having them forage for food at dumpsites. “Another essential objective of the Capricorn Foundation Food Waste Challenge is to encourage better collaboration between sources, distributors/receivers and beneficiaries of food,” said Marlize Horn, executive officer of the Capricorn Foundation.
Namibia Media Holdings (NMH), the Capricorn Foundation's official media partner for the Food Waste Challenge, was also revealed. Hennie Geldenhuys, Chief Marketing Officer of Synergi Marketing Pty Ltd highlights that NMH believes that through their network they will connect Namibians and international stakeholders to collaborate and take responsibility for the food insecurity solutions in Namibia.
Based on an open innovation platform, the Capricorn Foundation will award N$100 000 for the best solution in the Food Waste Challenge. The best proposal will be chosen by a distinguished team of experts from diverse economic sectors after the submission deadline of August 12, 2022.
“A solution to this problem would not only address the basic need of food security for the most vulnerable people in Namibia, but it can also positively impact our society and improve the quality of life of many Namibians,” said Horn.
This challenge is open and offered to:
• An individual aged 16 years or older at the time of registration.
• Teams consisting of up to five individuals aged 16 years or older at the time of registration.
• Legal business entities.
How do you enter and submit your idea?
• Participants can discover basic information about the Challenge at https://capricornfoodwastechallenge.skild.com.
• After clicking the "Sign Up" button on the website, they can go on to sign up and register. After that, they can complete the online registration form completely and truthfully.
• After agreeing to the terms and conditions, click "Submit" to begin.
• An email will be sent to participants to confirm their participation.
What kind of ideas and solutions are we looking for?
Visit https://capricornfoodwastechallenge.skild.com, to enter and view the terms and conditions. Enquiries can be directed to Rikus Grobler, Manager: Innovation, of Capricorn Group at [email protected]