Durban — In celebration of Mandela Day on Thursday (today), the Daily News Milk Fund and Independent Media’s Human Resources Department on Wednesday continued former president Nelson Mandela’s mission to serve the community.

Mandela Day, celebrated on July 18 every year – Mandela’s birthday – is a day when the nation pledges its efforts and time to community service. Each year, the community commits to 67 minutes of work in recognition of the 67 years Mandela fought for equality.

The Daily News Milk Fund visited Udobo Pre-Primary School and delivered donations including porridge, goody bags and cake.

The ‘Daily News’ and Community Projects visited St Augustine’s pre-primary and aftercare centre in Escombe and donated various gifts in the spirit of Mandela Day. Independent Newspapers Marketing and Brand Officer Sinethemba Hlela handed the gifts to the children. | Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers

Udobo principal Anne Snyders said she felt overwhelmed and grateful that the Daily News decided to make a donation for the children.

She said, “When Mandela became president, it was a marvellous experience and the fact that we benefit from such projects annually is brilliant.”

Snyders thanked the various sponsors of the different items donated.

Udobo Pre-Primary practitioner Sthobile Ntobela said the gifts would contribute immensely to Mandela Day.

“Mandela Day is when we remember our hero, as he fought for equality and all marginal groups during apartheid.”

In collaboration with the Daily News, Udobo Pre-Primary thanked the following sponsors for the Mandela Day initiative:

Total Wingate Service Station
Al-Imdaad Foundation
Pick n Pay Montclair.

Independent Media HR also visited St Augustine’s Pre-Primary and After School Care to spread some Madiba magic ahead of Mandela Day. They provided porridge as well as pizza.

KIDS were treated to fun and games and received various gifts in the spirit of Madiba when ‘Daily News’ and Community Projects visited St Augustine’s pre-primary and aftercare centre in Escombe. Independent Newspapers Marketing and Brand Officer Sinethemba Hlela playing with the children. | Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers

St Augustine’s Pre-Primary and after school care administrator Cheryl Govender was grateful and emotional receiving the gifts from the Daily News.

“Mandela Day is truly remarkable especially for our children,” she added.

Govender said the school is 27 years old and aims at providing literacy, numeracy and life skills to young children from low-income homes.

She said that they do not refuse any admission as they believe it is their calling to do whatever it takes to provide a child with a solid and loving foundation with good school facilities.

Govender added that it was important in early childhood development, in order to bridge the gap between home life and formal schooling in the community.

St Augustine’s Pre-Primary and Aftercare thanked the sponsors:

Roman’s Pizza Westville
Al-Imdaad Foundation.

Joy and elation were etched on the faces of St Augustine’s pre-primary and aftercare centre’s pupils when they received goodie bags from the ‘Daily News’ and Community Projects for Mandela Day. | Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers

Independent Media Corporate Social Investments CSI manager Sameera Kareem said she was thrilled to have co-ordinated the Daily News Milk Fund’s Mandela Day initiative at Udobo Pre-Primary School and to reflect on the success of this event.

Kareem said, “Seeing the children enjoy lunch, cake, blankets, and goody bags was truly heart-warming. This remarkable day would not have been possible without the support from our generous sponsors. Your contributions created unforgettable memories for these children, and together, we embodied the spirit of Mandela Day.

“Thank you for making this a phenomenal team effort and for your unwavering commitment to our cause.”

Independent Newspapers staff and the Udobo Pre-Primary school staff and children. Picture: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers.

The Daily News partnered with the Independent Media Human Resources Department on their visit to St Augustine’s Pre-Primary and Aftercare.

HR said, “Visiting these schools and handing out goodies to the kids was a wonderful initiative. It brought so much joy and excitement to the children, creating a memorable experience associated with Nelson Mandela’s legacy of kindness and giving. This act of generosity not only made the children feel special and appreciated but also highlighted the importance of community, compassion and giving back.”

The children attending Udobo Pre-Primary School received gifts in the spirit of Mandela Day. Independent Newspapers CSI Assistance Marketing and Brand Officer Sinethemba Hlela covered the children with donated blankets. | Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers

Donated goods and gifts were handed to the children when the ‘Daily News Milk Fund’ crew visited the Udobo Pre-Primary School for Mandela Day. Left: Independent Newspapers Marketing and Brand Officer Sinethemba Hlela, Udobo PrePrimary school Deputy Principal Lisa-Jane Govender and Far right: Udobo Pre-Primary School Principal Anne Snyders and Independent Newspapers CSI Assistant Sushi Munsamy. | Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers

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