American musician Pharrell Williams visited Emisebeni Primary School in Mofolo on Wednesday.
The visit was part of the Woolworths “Are you with us” campaign which amongst other things promotes environmental awareness and education.
Williams wanted to see for himself the positive impact his collaboration with Woolworths is having in schools and communities in the country.
He got his hands dirty planting trees and vegetables with pupils and teachers from the school. Through the partnership with Williams, the retail giant aims to raise R 100 million for education and environmental awareness.
Emisebeni is the beneficiary of the MySchool Programme which is another outreach programme by Woolworths which raises funds for education.
Woolworths Group CEO, Ian Moir, said, “The Woolworths Good Business Journey (GBJ) is the driving force behind our partnership with Pharrell as we aim to raise R100m for schools in need across the country and to make sustainability cool for the next generation of South Africans.
“GBJ is a commitment to ethical trade, sustainable farming and production methods, and social responsibility and we are delighted to partner with Pharrell to create a better future for our country, our children and our communities.”
The Soweto Gospel Choir joined Williams’ visit to the school by welcoming him with song.
Before visiting Emisebeni, Williams performed at the Grand West Casino in Cape Town.
His collaboration with Woolworths has attracted a lot of negative attention for him. The retail giant has been the focus of local pro-Palestine activists for its trade with Israel.
