“Together Mzansi” Mobile Barber – A Community Initiative In Action

McDonald’s South Africa demonstrated a special “Together Mzansi” community initiative that underscores its commitment to giving back and making a positive impact. 

The McDonald’s team visited the Andries Meyer Old Age Home in Eldorado Park in Soweto, South Africa, to provide free haircuts to the residents as part of the “Mobile Barber” service. This initiative reflects the company’s belief in supporting and empowering local communities through meaningful and impactful actions. 

“At McDonald’s South Africa, we are dedicated to supporting and empowering our communities through initiatives focused on literacy, education, sustainability and social impact,” says Sechaba Motsieloa Marketing Director, McDonald’s South Africa. 

“Providing free haircuts, through our Mobile Barber initiatives, to the residents of Andries Meyer Old Age Home is a way for us to show respect, dignity, and care to those who are often overlooked. This is one way where we acknowledge that there is no us without you.” 

McDonald’s South Africa is committed to creating positive social impact and enriching the lives of the communities it serves. Through various initiatives, it strives to support literacy, education, sustainability, and social well-being. Their mission goes beyond serving delicious food; they aim to make meaningful contributions that empower and uplift individuals across the nation. 

The Mobile Barber forms part of McDonald’s nation-building initiative, Together Mzansi, which is a call to action for communities to come together in finding solutions to the challenges we face in society. 

Together Mzansi is the unique result of using its influence and reach to partner with McDonald’s customers, company staff, franchisees, suppliers and other stakeholders to drive impact by coming together with communities to foster positive change, one initiative at a time. 

Drawing inspiration from 28 years of changing lives through various charitable initiatives in the country, Together Mzansi is a collective effort of all levels of society, to make a positive difference to the lives of people and communities. 

Founded by Elizabeth Harriesunker, the Mobile Barber team uses their hair-cutting and barber skills in the best way, offering free haircuts to people in orphanages, disability homes, old age homes, skill centers, and schools. 

“The concept of Mobile Barber Co was born in 2019. It was inspired from the love for people, creating connections and value in society,” she says. 

With her two vans, she services around 90 organizations and travels around Joburg and Pretoria on amonthly basis. 

“We go to places like Soshanguve and Mamelodi and we service the areas there,” she says. 

Running the Mobile Barber has not always been easy for Harriesunker. Choosing the right vehicle is of the utmost importance because not any ordinary vehicle will do. It has to have a high roof because barbers need to be comfortable in there and people need to walk in, so they can also stand in there. 

The right furniture and equipment is equally important so that the vehicle would work for the intended function. 

 “The partnership with McDonald’s SA is a synergy that is truly a blessing. It results in bringing a unique contribution to communities which is dearly heartfelt,” says Harriesunker. 

“The project brings everyone involved immense joy, especially when seeing the happiness on our clients’ faces. Who doesn’t love the feeling of having their hair done? For many, this is a luxury that is now looked forward to on a regular basis. The mobile barber team are changing lives, one haircut at a time and we are loving it.”