MAN-sized Mandela Day initiatives!

August 26, 2024

This year, MAN Automotive (South Africa) commemorated Mandela Day by giving the residents of a Randfontein care centre the opportunity to get up close and personal with its vehicles. SUZY BERNSTEIN joined the festivities.

On Mandela Day, the team from MAN Automotive took two vehicles – the MAN Lion’s Explorer HB3 bus as well as an MAN TGS 26.440 truck – to the Connie Mulder Centre in Randfontein. A care facility for 204 adults with disabilities, the centre was established on 20 September 1975.

Elona Uys, CEO of the Connie Mulder Centre, emphasises the priority of ongoing training and life skills development through protective workshops. “We have a concrete workshop for the manufacturing of concrete poles, slabs, stepping stones, fountains, statues, curbing, and a brick workshop for the manufacturing of stock, maxi-bricks, and paving. Our woodwork workshop is responsible for the building of new – as well as restoration of old – furniture. Our mechanic workshop undertakes the maintenance and servicing of our own vehicles,” she tells FOCUS.

There’s also a bakery on site, a Q-Bond workshop for the packaging of needles, and a sewing workshop for a variety of activities. “Some of our residents are also involved in our laundry, the maintenance of our dining hall, our kitchen, the maintenance of our buildings and premises, and the cleaning of our hostels and ablution facilities,” reveals Uys.

But, on Mandela Day, the focus wasn’t on attending workshops; it was all about having fun with the MAN vehicles. The Connie Mulder staff assisted the residents as they clambered onto the bus. Andrew Mark of bus sales at MAN Automotive, expertly drove the residents around the perimeter of the centre, as the animated residents clapped and sang along, their excitement palpable. One long-standing resident in particular, who always has a toy car in his pocket, was overjoyed to have the opportunity to experience the bus first-hand. He waved excitedly out the window at the others who were waiting patiently for their turn.

Ryno Blignaut, bus sales manager at MAN Automotive, stood alongside the vehicles to offer a helping hand and answer any questions from the residents. Delighted, many of the residents engaged with the MAN ambassadors, who distributed drinks, snacks, and caps. Local security company EPR Armed Reaction Security also joined in to offer their 67 minutes by providing music on the day, with residents dancing along.

Philip Kalil-Zackey, head of truck sales and product at MAN Automotive, describes the day as “a day of meaningful connections”, adding: “We appreciated the resilience and spirit of the individuals we met. As we reflect on this experience, we are reminded of the importance of community and the joy that comes from giving back. Thank you to everyone at the Connie Mulder Centre for welcoming us with open arms. Your smiles and laughter have inspired us and reaffirmed our commitment to making a positive impact in our community.”

Giacomo Virgili: head of bus sales at MAN Automotive, concurs. “The exceptional team spirit and enthusiasm shown by all made this day a great success. It was an extraordinary day for the residents of Connie Mulder Centre and the employees of MAN Automotive,” he says. “The energy was contagious and will be carried forward by all involved long into the future. Thank you for a wonderful experience.”

Over and above this event, MAN Automotive was also involved in other initiatives at the Ivory Park Primary school in Midrand and the Dzulani Children’s Care Centre in Vosloorus, thereby extending MAN’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility. Furthermore, the MAN assembly plant in Pinetown hosted a group of students and lecturers from the Elangeni College’s Faculty of Engineering Science for a memorable Mandela Day celebration.