This year’s Mandela Day theme, “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,” called on people around the world to dedicate their time, skills and resources to uplifting their communities. Rainbow Chicken employees in KwaZulu-Natal embraced that call by volunteering at two schools, helping create better learning environments for hundreds of children.
For Rainbow, Mandela Day provided an opportunity this year to make a meaningful contribution through practical initiatives that improve everyday experiences for young learners. From enhancing school facilities to supporting nutrition and creating spaces for play, every project was designed to leave something of lasting value behind.
At Khalawemuke Primary School in Hammarsdale, employees from the nearby Rainbow processing plant built a new playground, featuring a seesaw, swings, a slide and climbing steps, giving learners a safe and engaging space for recreation.
Khalawemuke Primary School Playground
The team also established a vegetable garden and donated gardening tools that will remain at the school so that the learners and educators can continue caring for the garden throughout the year. Volunteers further prepared and served nutritious meals to 550 learners from Grade R to Grade 4, recognising the important connection between good nutrition and effective learning.
Sindiswa Dlamini, HR Business Partner at Rainbow’s Hammarsdale Processing Plant, said Mandela Day is a reminder that meaningful change begins with people coming together to support their communities.
“Our employees were incredibly enthusiastic about giving back in a practical way that will have a lasting impact on the learners. Seeing the children enjoy their new playground and knowing that the vegetable garden will continue to provide learning opportunities and fresh produce made the day especially rewarding. We are proud to play a role in creating an environment where children can learn, grow and thrive.”
At Cosmoore Primary School in Pietermaritzburg, recently adopted by Rainbow’s KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture team as part of their ongoing community upliftment efforts, the day was spent refreshing classrooms with a fresh coat of paint, repairing broken windows and tidying the outdoor areas.
Zamanyanda Mdlalose, HR Business Partner for Rainbow’s KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture team, said Mandela Day demonstrates the difference that can be made when employees use their skills and time to uplift local communities.
“Supporting schools is an investment in the future of our communities. By improving the learning environment at Cosmoore Primary School, we hope to create a space where learners feel inspired and educators are supported in the important work they do every day. Our team’s commitment reflects Rainbow’s belief that lasting change is built through meaningful partnerships and consistent community involvement.”
Although these initiatives were completed in a single day, their value will continue to be felt long afterwards. The upgraded school facilities, new playground, vegetable garden and shared meals will benefit learners well beyond Mandela Day, reflecting the power of practical action to strengthen communities and create opportunities for the next generation.
