SPAR is on a mission to fight against GBV

702’s Bongani Bingwa is in conversation with Kevin O’Brien, Chief Sustainability Officer at SPAR.

Listen below:

One of South Africa’s biggest retailers is about more than just groceries.

SPAR joined the fight against gender-based violence in 2019 through partnerships with LifeLine and the National Prosecuting Authority.

LifeLine is a non-profit that provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support.

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“Something like gender-based violence, in my opinion, will not be able to be reduced through campaigns only… initiatives have longevity and are more committed.” 

– Kevin O’Brien, Chef Sustainability Officer – SPAR

SPAR also supports the Thuthuzela Care Centres and have launched a safety app for students.

“[The centres] are an attempt to provide a safe place for victims of GBV to go to, to receive medical help, to receive counselling and, most importantly, to be able to interact with the SAPS in an environment that is more conducive to create comfort.” 

– Kevin O’Brien, Chef Sustainability Officer – SPAR

“These are not competitive issues, these are issues that face all of society and there is no way one brand can deal will that in an impactful way so the collaboration… it goes without saying.” 

– Kevin O’Brien, Chef Sustainability Officer – SPAR

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.