Hundreds of volunteers joined forces this Mandela Day to transform a Soweto school, creating improved learning spaces and new opportunities for hundreds of learners.
More than 260 volunteers from leading South African organisations came together at Thathani Primary School in Zola, Soweto, as part of the Adopt-a-School Foundation’s annual Back to School for Mandela Day campaign.
Led by headline sponsor AngloGold Ashanti, alongside Cell C, ROMH Consulting, Thrive Student Living, Growthpoint Properties, Timberland South Africa, Thamani Assurance Inc., HONOR, Execuflora and the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, the initiative demonstrated how collaboration can strengthen education and create lasting social impact.
Volunteers refurbished classrooms and Grade R facilities, established a sustainable vegetable garden, donated books to expand the school’s library, delivered literacy programmes, introduced coding and robotics activities, and supported learner wellbeing initiatives designed to benefit the school beyond Mandela Day.
Steven Lebere, Chief Executive Officer of the Adopt-a-School Foundation, said the campaign showed that meaningful change extends beyond the annual 67 minutes of service.
“Mandela Day reminds us that meaningful change begins when people choose to act. By investing our time, skills and resources in schools, we are investing in the future of every learner. Together with our partners, we are creating environments where children feel valued, inspired and empowered to succeed.”
AngloGold Ashanti’s Vice President: Group Community Relations, Tumelo Shakwane, said investing in education helps strengthen communities and creates opportunities for young people to realise their full potential.
The day was further supported by the Foundation’s Friends of the Foundation, including actress Ayakha Ntunja, actor Tshepiso Jeme and actor Julius Kgole, who volunteered alongside learners and encouraged South Africans to embrace the spirit of Mandela Day through service.
Partners contributed a range of resources and experiences. Timberland South Africa donated books, Cell C and Seseko introduced coding and robotics activities, Nal’ibali hosted literacy sessions, Krispy Kreme donated 1,000 doughnuts, Val Aqua supplied bottled water, Marketing to the Max treated learners to popcorn and slushies, while TG Tracking continued its longstanding support of the Foundation.
The campaign benefited 535 learners through a combined investment of R1.3 million, creating improvements that will continue to support teaching and learning long after Mandela Day.
The Foundation’s work at Thathani Primary School will continue over the coming weeks with further infrastructure upgrades, including replacing damaged classroom doors and floor tiles, improving walkways, installing a water back-up system and enhancing drainage around the Grade R classrooms to create a safer, more sustainable learning environment.
