3 days ago
Nourishing matrics in need
Young models Angela Dere (12), Adele Mhandu (11) and Nicky Deve (9) from Durban enjoyed lending a hand at The Pavilion Mandela Day. They write personal notes to matriculants on the buckets used in the Buckets of Nutrition campaigne.
In a moving display of unity and ubuntu, The Pavilion Shopping Centre once again partnered with SA Harvest to host its second Mandela Day 'Buckets of Nutrition for Matriculants' packing party.
The effort aims at combating food insecurity and giving hope to pupils writing their final exams. By the end of the day, 445 care buckets were packed by volunteers from all walks of life. These were filled with nutritious non-perishable food, hygiene items, and essential school stationery and will be delivered to matriculants in rural and hard-to-reach parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Chiara Henry, SA Harvest's Procurement Manager in Durban, was moved by the support. 'It's been really great to get our corporate donors GanTrans, the Road Freight Association and the public from far and wide working side by side. Durban really showed up for these matrics and we are so grateful.'
General Manager of The Pavilion Shopping Centre, Vicky Deppe, added 'We are honoured to open our space to initiatives that create real impact and were warmed by the response of our shoppers, tenants and service providers. Mandela Day is more than a moment - it's a movement of hope, and we're proud to support our youth in such a meaningful way.'
Volunteers expressed heartfelt motivation for their participation. Reva Johnston, a retired teacher, said: 'The theme this year resonates deeply. It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity. This is exactly what these learners need.'
Model and mentor Christina Maloka brought her young mentees to pack, 'Mandela Day is a powerful way to teach children the importance of giving back.'
Among the youngest helpers was five-year-old Sayuri Rampath, visiting from Dubai, who was excited to support children in need during her holiday. Camryn Linderboom, a Maris Stella matriculant, said: 'I had to help. I know the struggle and we even prayed for the recipients while we packed.'
Nirdosh Pillay, Executive Director at GanTrans, said: 'People underestimate the power of doing good. Our teams came every hour – not just to donate, but to lend a hand and write their messages.'
Netball coach and content creator, Sarah Kanamugire summed up the mood of the day, 'Food and nutrition are essential to academic focus. This initiative directly supports our future leaders.'
