Mandela Day may shine a spotlight on giving back, but meaningful change is built throughout the year.
Image: Supplied
New figures from Statistics South Africa reveal that South Africans contributed volunteer work worth an estimated R17.5 billion in 2024. The country’s generosity equated to more than 216,000 full-time jobs over the course of the year, underscoring the vital role volunteers continue to play in supporting communities.
For Coca Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB), those figures reinforce a belief that has long shaped its community investment strategy. While Mandela Day remains an important opportunity to give back, the company says lasting impact comes from supporting organisations that work in communities every day of the year.
Rather than treating Mandela Day as a once-off initiative, CCPB focuses on building long-term partnerships with organisations that already have deep roots in the communities they serve. The approach centres on sustained collaboration, trust and empowering local organisations to lead meaningful change.
Image: Supplied
Partnerships that last beyond Mandela Day
Communities continue to face challenges long after 18 July has passed. Families still need support, children still need opportunities and community organisations continue providing essential services throughout the year.
Danny Diliberto, founder and CEO of Ladles of Love, says CCPB’s long-standing support has made a significant difference to the organisation’s work.
“We are incredibly grateful to the team at Coca Cola Peninsula Beverages for their powerful partnership. They truly have walked a journey with us through thick and thin, from supporting us with budget and beverages in tough Covid times to gifting hydration stations at our annual Mandela Day events. Then, seeing the need at preschools for good nutrition, they sponsored children for a year by investing in our programme. The impact of this kindness is immense.”
Priscilla Urquhart, Head of Public Affairs, Communication, Sustainability and Philanthropy at CCPB, says the company’s purpose extends beyond business growth.
“Our purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We aim to create a better shared future, from sustainable packaging and water stewardship to women’s empowerment, coastal and community clean ups, feeding programmes, building new early childhood development centres, sports development and youth upliftment.”
Image: Supplied
Mandela Day activities across the Western Cape
This year’s Mandela Day programme continues CCPB’s partnerships with several community organisations across the Western Cape.
Team members will once again join chef Jenny Morris at the Salesian Institute’s Soul Kitchen initiative, where volunteers helped prepare and distribute more than 10,000 cups of soup and 9,000 sandwiches during last year’s campaign.
CCPB teams will also work alongside FoodForward SA and Ladles of Love to support thousands of people, while partnering with Community Chest for a Langtafel soup handout in Cape Town’s Bree Street on Saturday, 18 July.
Across the region, employees will take part in additional community initiatives, including:
- De Doorns: The Worcester team will partner with the Cape Winelands Municipality and Gift of the Givers to provide meals for more than 500 people and distribute clothing to vulnerable families.
- Vredendal, Springbok and Hermanus: Local teams will support community soup kitchens by donating ingredients purchased through year-round fundraising efforts and assisting with meal preparation and serving.
- Parow: The Financial Shared Services team will serve soup to patients at the Parow Day Clinic, many of whom arrive for treatment without having eaten, offering both nourishment and encouragement.
- Athlone: Employees will donate food to Leliebloem House Children’s Home while spending time with the children through games and activities during their 67 minutes of service.
Urquhart says collaboration remains central to the company’s approach.
“I am a firm believer in the transformational power of partnerships. It is part of our DNA that we must all work together and create shared opportunities for communities in our CCPB region. It is a privilege to work alongside community partners like Ladles of Love, FoodForward SA, Community Chest and many others as we commemorate another Mandela Day by making a difference that matters.”
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify
ALSO READ:
After dark: Why night game drives deserve a place on every safari itinerary
