by Marion Smith
Embassy Direct proudly joined Nedbank on 17 July 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in commemorating Mandela Day by participating in the 67 Minutes for Mandela Day initiative, dedicating time and energy to packing nutritious food parcels in partnership with RISE Against Hunger Africa.
The initiative formed part of the global observance of Mandela Day, which celebrates the enduring legacy of former President Nelson Mandela by encouraging people to devote 67 minutes of service to making a positive difference in their communities. Volunteers from Nedbank, together with Embassy Direct and other partners, rolled up their sleeves to package meals that will help nourish vulnerable children and families across South Africa.
The atmosphere was one of teamwork, compassion and purpose as volunteers assembled, sealed and packed thousands of nutritious meals. Every food parcel represented more than a meal. It symbolised hope, dignity and a shared commitment to building stronger communities.
Throughout July, RISE Against Hunger Africa is leading one of its largest annual volunteer campaigns, bringing together approximately 33,000 volunteers to package 3 million nutritious meals. These meals will support 325 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, ensuring that around 13,000 young children receive five nutritious meals every week for an entire year.
Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s belief that every individual has the power to change the world, the campaign demonstrates how collective action can create a lasting impact. Beyond addressing hunger, the programme contributes to healthier childhood development, improved educational outcomes and stronger, more resilient communities.
For Embassy Direct, participation in the initiative reflected its ongoing commitment to supporting meaningful community partnerships and highlighting organisations that are making a tangible difference in South Africa. Working alongside Nedbank volunteers reinforced the importance of collaboration in tackling food insecurity and investing in the country’s future generations.
Nedbank’s volunteers embraced the spirit of Mandela Day with enthusiasm, recognising that every scoop of food, every sealed packet and every completed box contributes to a much larger mission. Their efforts embodied the belief that meaningful change begins when ordinary people choose to serve others.
As South Africans continue to celebrate Mandela’s legacy, initiatives such as these remind us that acts of kindness, no matter how small, have the power to transform lives. By giving just 67 minutes of their time, thousands of volunteers are helping ensure that children receive not only nutritious meals but also the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive.
Together, Embassy Direct, Nedbank, other corporate partners, volunteers and RISE Against Hunger Africa demonstrated that Mandela’s vision of compassion, service and social justice continues to inspire action: one meal, one volunteer and one community at a time.
