This June, KOO is turning up the volume on love and appreciation with the “A Song for Ma” competition — a powerful celebration of mothers and mother figures across the country. It’s more than just a tribute — it’s a national call to express gratitude through the unifying language of music, and your squad could walk away with tens of thousands in prizes.
For over 80 years, KOO has been part of the fabric of South African homes, and this year, the beloved brand is bringing families together in song using iGwijo — the traditional call-and-response singing style that stirs unity and emotion. Long used to uplift spirits and energize communities, iGwijo becomes the heartbeat of this campaign, giving South Africans a chance to say, “Thank you, Mom,” in a way that resonates far and wide.
“Mothers don’t just make meals — they make memories,” says Neo Dikamotse, Marketing Manager for KOO at Tiger Brands. “So many of those memories are seasoned with KOO. With A Song for Ma, we’re saying thank you with rhythm, heart, and harmony. It’s a celebration that extends beyond Mother’s Day — it’s for every mother and mother figure who has poured love into our lives, often with a warm plate of food.”
The campaign draws inspiration from the nostalgic “Thank You Mom” jingle that once filled South African households, now reimagined for a new generation. This time, the revival comes with a challenge: schools across the country are invited to submit their own original Gwijo-style tributes — joyful, spirited songs that reflect the love, gratitude, and energy our moms deserve.
At the centre of the anthem is the Gwijo Squad, who are thrilled to help lead this cultural celebration.
“We’re incredibly honoured to be part of this journey with KOO,” they said. “It’s more than a song — it’s a love letter to the women who fed us, raised us, and helped shape who we are. Using iGwijo, which is deeply rooted in our culture, makes this campaign even more meaningful.”
Here’s how it works:
If you’re a student, educator, or anyone who wants to show appreciation to a mother figure, this is your moment. Schools are encouraged to rally their pupils to create and perform a Song for Ma — whether it’s an anthem or war cry, as long as it’s loud, proud, and heartfelt. Get the school involved, dress in full uniform, and bring your energy and school spirit to life.
🎥 Your video should be between 1–2 minutes long.
📣 Make sure to tag @KooFoodSA in your caption and use the hashtag #KOOThankYouMom.
📝 Don’t forget to include your school’s full name and share how your mom used KOO in her meals — and how those meals made you feel. The more personal, the better!
Incredible prizes up for grabs:
- 🏆 Up to R30,000 in cash for the winning team
- 🏫 Prizes worth R200,000 for the school, which could include:
- A tuck shop revamp
- A cafeteria upgrade
- Musical instruments
- School transport branded by KOO
Entries close on 30 June 2025, so now’s the time to gather your team, write your tribute, and hit record.
Follow KOO’s official social media pages for full details and updates:
- Facebook: @KOOFoodZA
- Instagram: @Koofoodsa
- X (Twitter): @Koo_Food
Let your voice be heard and give thanks to the moms who’ve fed our bodies and souls. With A Song for Ma, gratitude sounds a lot like love.
