Anyone who saw former president Nelson Mandela with children or heard his statements about how much he missed the sound of children while in prison can attest to his deep love for them.
Eleven years after his death the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) and Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa have partnered to cement this part of his legacy for generations to come,
The two have embarked on a project to establish 100 new early childhood development centres (ECDs) in South Africa's nine provinces.
The purpose is to ensure children are given a decent educational foundation before they start primary school.
Speaking at the launch of the third collaboration between Ford and the Mandela Foundation, Ford Africa president Neale Hill said the partnership was a significant milestone and the new centres were symbolic of Ford marking its centenary celebrations.
“Reflecting on the inception of our collaboration which began amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic fills me with pride. Despite the tumultuous times, Ford and the Nelson Mandela Foundation joined hands in July 2020 to embark on critical projects. These efforts underscored Ford's unwavering commitment to supporting communities during crises, demonstrating our compassion in action.”
The first joint project saw a crew of Ford Rangers delivering more than 9,000 food parcels to needy communities around the country.
“We made a tangible impact on the lives of those in need. It's Mandela's ethos of making a difference in people's lives aligning seamlessly with Ford's values,” Hill said.
In a second tribute to the Madiba legacy, the company transformed a Ranger into a mobile work of art that symbolised South African pride.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
— Former president Nelson Mandela
The latest endeavour is aimed at taking educational equity to underserved communities.
“Henry Ford’s vision was not just about building cars; it was about building communities and fostering values. Our commitment to community and partnership is unwavering. We value our enduring collaboration with the NMF, recognising its instrumental role in driving positive change in society.”
The project fits well with Mandela's ethos as he once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Ford will fund the building of the ECDs, each with two classrooms, a kitchen, toilet facilities and a sick bay. They will be built in areas where there is an urgent need for educational infrastructure and will be equipped with state of the art learning materials and trained educators.
During the launch, NMF acting CEO Verne Harris took the delegation on a tour of the foundation’s private vault where much of Mandela’s original writings, notebooks and other memorabilia are stored.
Reminiscing about the times he worked closely with Mandela, Harris detailed how the sponsorship of 100 centres was far more than building classrooms — it was a form of long-term change offering a vision for a brighter future for children.
It was a moving experience that saw Ford’s government affairs and transformation director Esther Buthelezi's tears well up as she placed her hands in clay moulds of Mandela’s hands.
“Ford's contribution goes beyond bricks and mortar; it's a lifeline for communities in need,” Hill said.
Harris said he was excited about the partnership that reflected the potential for corporate social initiatives to drive change by uplifting communities through the power of education.
The impact is already being seen with the completion of 20 of the new ECDs, with another seven under construction. So far 12 have been completed in the Eastern Cape, seven in KwaZulu-Natal and one in Gauteng.
“On this special occasion we extend our deepest gratitude to the Nelson Mandela Foundation for honouring Ford as a legacy champion. The plaque on the donor wall symbolises our shared commitment to societal progress,” Hill said at the unveiling.
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