Former South African President, Nelson Mandela, remains an iconic figure, celebrated for his compassion and unwavering commitment to helping others.
In recognition of his legacy, the United Nations designated 18 July as Mandela Day, a day dedicated to making a positive impact on people’s lives through acts of kindness. On this special day, individuals worldwide devote 67 minutes of their time to reaching out to others, embodying the spirit of Madiba.
On Tuesday, ArcelorMittal South Africa’s Newcastle Works demonstrated their dedication to keeping Mandela’s legacy alive by going the extra mile for various people.
The team from ArcelorMittal’s medical facility set out on a mission to spread warmth and kindness. On the chilly morning, they distributed warm soup, beanies, and scarves to the hardworking security personnel and truck drivers, who endured the bitter cold and assist in ensuring the smooth functioning of the business. The act of appreciation brought smiles to their faces and highlighted the essence of Mandela Day.
With their mission underway, the ArcelorMittal team then turned their attention to Home Meah, a shelter for babies and toddlers without families within Newcastle.
ArcelorMittal’s Elmarie Steyn explained that at Home Meah, ArcelorMittal donated veggies, clothing items, blankets, scarves and other treats for the little ones to enjoy.
“Nelson Mandela was a community driven person, who was about helping the less fortunate. He also loved the elderly and children,” said Elmarie, who further highlighted that it was Madiba’s compassion that saw ArcelorMittal strive to focus on the children of Home Meah, as well as the company’s security personnel and truck drivers.
Moreover, Steyn emphasised that Tuesday’s efforts were just the beginning of ArcelorMittal’s commitment to honour Mandela’s legacy.
The company plans to undertake community support projects every three months, with ongoing initiatives to make a lasting difference. One such initiative involves collecting books through a dedicated box at Pick n Pay Pioneer Park, which will be shared with less fortunate children, promoting education and literacy.
The success of the day was made possible by the generous contributions of several sponsors, including Twin Tex, Pin Pin, Malls, Triple 8, Wheel of Fortune, and Pick n Pay. Their support played a vital role in ensuring that ArcelorMittal’s acts of kindness touched numerous lives and inspired others to follow suit.
Additionally, on the day, Mediclinic Newcastle showed its support for Mandela Day, with the private hospital focusing on this year’s theme.
“The theme for the year 2023 is “Climate, Food & Solidarity,” highlighting some of the most urgent challenges facing people globally. This theme calls upon us to address the adverse effects of climate change, tackle issues surrounding food security, and foster solidarity within our communities,” explained Hospital General Manager, Japie Greyling.
He noted that it was heartwarming to see Mediclinic Newcastle, along with its staff and allied services, taking this call to action, to heart.
“In this landscape of urgency, Mediclinic Newcastle has risen to the occasion by organising a charitable initiative centred around the donation of nonperishable food items. This act of goodwill demonstrates their commitment to addressing food insecurity while fostering a sense of community among the less privileged in their locality,” said Greyling.
Moreover, he said by aligning their efforts with the theme of “Climate, Food & Solidarity,” Mediclinic Newcastle recognises the interconnection between climate change and food security.
“They acknowledge that addressing these urgent challenges requires collaboration and a multifaceted approach. Their commitment to sustainable solutions and community engagement echoes Nelson Mandela’s vision of a just and equitable society,” concluded Greyling.
With two local corporates ensuring Mandela Day was a success, what did you or your business get up to? Be sure to let us know in the comment section below.
