ISUZU Motors South Africa (ISUZU) and its partners have joined the world in honouring the legacy of Tata Nelson Mandela with impactful initiatives through its ISUZU CARES; I CARE TOO employee volunteerism program, donating 200 school desks, establishing a garden, painting classrooms, reading and encouraging play.
ISUZU takes advantage of the whole of July to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life and the values he stood for. This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day was celebrated under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”. Aligning with the theme, ISUZU, in collaboration with Gift of the Givers, donated 100 single desks, 100 double desks, beanies, toiletries, and bulk school stationery to EZ Kabane High School in kwa-Dwesi township, Gqeberha. This donation will enhance the educational environment particularly for the 850 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and generally boost morale at the school.
Mr. Banele Zondani, Principal at EZ Kabane High School, expressed his gratitude: “We are extremely pleased that ISUZU Motors South Africa and Gift of the Givers have chosen to support our school. The donation of furniture, the planting of seeds, the painting of classrooms and the donation of garden equipment and other essentials will indeed go a long way in restoring dignity and boosting the morale of all those involved with our school.”
ISUZU employees came in numbers to support the event and rolled up their sleeves to establish a legacy vegetable garden to support the school’s feeding scheme. Additionally, the school hall, primarily used for exams, received a makeover with fresh paint and cleaning efforts from the ISUZU team.
Ms Corene Conradie, Gift of the Givers Eastern Cape Project Manager, highlighted the importance of such collaborations: “At Gift of the Givers, we work with like-minded organisations to find sustainable solutions that bring hope and restore dignity to the most vulnerable. We are intentional about making a positive impact in our communities by contributing towards the creation of an environment conducive to the improved education of the disadvantaged. We are inspired by Tata Nelson Mandela’s spirit of Ubuntu and nation-building to make this contribution to EZ Kabane.”
Extending their reach to Johannesburg, ISUZU in partnership with the Glen, Williams Hunt dealership, supported ‘Door of Hope Children’s Mission,’ a home for abandoned and neglected children aged 0-6 years, operating for 25 years in Berea. ISUZU and Williams Hunt dealership donated R100 000 and other essential items to the home. Employees from ISUZU and Williams Hunt spent a fun-filled day with the children, heeding the call to action to recognise their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them.
Door of Hope Donor Engagement Manager, Ms Kathy Groome expressed her appreciation: “A large number of babies are abandoned every month in Johannesburg, so our work must continue. The timely intervention from ISUZU strengthens our efforts to rescue abandoned babies and give them hope and a future.”
“Community upliftment is at the heart of ISUZU’s corporate social responsibility strategy and is aligned to Tata Madiba’s passion and belief that our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future. Creating an environment that is safe and conducive for children is critical. We strive to make a positive impact in the lives of children because they are our future”, said Mr Lebogang Makoloi, Department Executive Corporate Affairs ISUZU MOTORS South Africa.
ISUZU Motors South Africa’s initiatives this Mandela Month exemplify their commitment to driving education, building community development, and promoting conservation sustainability, honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela and embodying the true spirit of Ubuntu.