Chamber and partners celebrate Mandela Day by bringing smiles to EP Children’s Home
In line with global celebrations marking Nelson Mandela International Day, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and its partners, Axalta Plascon and Baywest Mall, dedicated their time and efforts to the EP Children’s Home to honour the legacy of the first democratically elected President of South Africa, the late Nelson Mandela.
Each year, on July 18, the world commemorates Mandela’s legacy by engaging in actions that inspire positive change within communities, particularly focusing on those who are socially and economically vulnerable.
Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity - as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.
After 27 years in prison, Mandela led South Africa with a vision of reconciliation and unity. His leadership style - rooted in empathy, perseverance and inclusivity - offers timeless lessons for today's leaders. It inspires global movements against racial inequality and economic disparities, and also reminds all of the need to address systematic oppression and advocate for human rights.
This year’s event is celebrated under the theme “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality”, which signifies the importance of taking action to end poverty and inequality.
“Our intervention at EP Children’s Home aligns with our action orientated approach of collaborating with others to drive change which positively impacts upon our communities, especially those economically and socially marginalised. We recognise that change happens when individuals and the collective take meaningful steps to positively impact and uplift the lives of others,” says Chamber CEO Denise van Huyssteen.
During their visit, the team painted the reception area of the EP Children’s Home and donated books, stationery, and party packs for the children.
“While many mark the day with good deeds for 67 minutes, it is vital that we all find ways to make everyday Mandela Day by extending acts of goodwill whenever we can,” says Van Huyssteen.
Axalta Plascon’s HR Manager Cheran Moodley further added that it was a great pleasure to partner with the Chamber and Baywest Mall to “give back in the way that we did today and to see the happiness and sincere gratitude from the kids, even more so having the privilege to spend time with them”.
Baywest Mall’s Marketing Manager Lindsay Davies also commented that the partnership with Chamber and Axalta Plascon was important in that it allowed “us to positively impact the kids at EP Children’s Home because of the generous handover of books and educational material”.
Issued by:
Sibongile Dimbaza
Communications Officer