Softline launches its 'Afrika Tikkun' support campaign to celebrate Mandela Day

Johannesburg, 18 Jul 2011

The Afrika Tikkun campaign will run for the duration of July to collect non-perishable grocery items for distribution to communities in need.

For Ivan Epstein, Mandela Day is about honouring one of the world's most admired and revered leaders. Epstein, who is the co-founder and CEO of Softline, part of the Sage Group, says the company will kick-start an outreach project in support of Afrika Tikkun, a non-profit organisation, working towards empowering tomorrow's leaders.

“Softline has been involved with Afrika Tikkun over the past two years. The organisation works toward the transformation of South African communities by caring for vulnerable children and orphans in townships. It provides general services to the community, but also focuses on children aged one to 19, as well as their guardians,” explains Epstein.

He says he applauds the approach of Afrika Tikkun, which aims to forge partnerships between industry and local communities to create self-sustainable projects in previously disadvantaged communities. The projects include the establishment and ongoing support of schools from pre-school to high school; and community and youth learning centres, which provide an extracurricular learning environment for teens.

The company will also celebrate “30 years of Sage” in conjunction with Mandela Day, taking time to honour the people of the company who help to make it the leading software provider that it is today.

“At Softline, we believe in the principle of giving is receiving and hope that in every way, we honour what Nelson Mandela gives to South Africa and the world.”

For more information, contact Hazel Otte on 011 304-1260.

Softline

Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions to small, medium and large-sized companies. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the software industry and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa in February 1997. Softline expanded to establish a strong position within its area of focus in South Africa and Australia. Focused on the development of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions, Softline has a 20-year track record as a market leader. The group has a broad range of products offering users a variety of software solutions to run their businesses efficiently.

Softline's leading brands include Softline Accpac, Softline Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group's product offerings provides Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions. In November 2003, Softline was acquired by the Sage Group, a FTSE 100 company. The software group includes market-leading businesses throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium and large sized business community. Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.

The Sage Group

The Sage Group is a leading global supplier of business management software and related products and services, principally for small to medium-sized enterprises. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989. Sage has 6.3 million customers and 13 400 employees worldwide. It operates in over 24 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information, please visit www.sage.com.

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