Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Pty) Ltd embraced the 2025 Mandela Day call to action by dedicating its efforts under this year’s theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”

Bakwena, focussed on two organisations making a difference along its N1N4 route: Animal Ambulance in Pretoria and Bosele Dawn Drop-In Centre in Bela Bela.

Animal Ambulance, a non-profit pro-life shelter operating entirely on donations from individuals and fundraising, is dedicated to rescuing abused and sick animals who would otherwise not survive. This year, as part of Mandela Day, Bakwena sponsored their monthly food bill by donating 30 bags (20kg each) of Montego dog food and 6 bags (20kg each) of Montego cat food.

This contribution allows Animal Ambulance to continue its crucial mission of offering a second chance to vulnerable animals in need.

Bosele Dawn Drop-In Centre, another notable non-profit organisation, provides academic, physical and emotional support to 122 orphans and vulnerable children from Grade R to Grade 12.  They provide academic support, food and extracurricular programmes and ensure the children experience lifelong education through a faith-based, holistic approach.

For Mandela Day, Bakwena partnered with the Mayor of Bela Bela, the Bela Bela municipality and the Economic Urban Farming NPC to lend hands-on support.

Highlights included:

• Participating in cleaning and planting activities at the centre
• Handing over a fridge, freezer, cooking pots and utensils to improve food security and sustainability.

These appliances are essential for the daily feeding and care of the children, ensuring that Bosele can continue delivering support in the community.

In her official address, the Mayor, Cllr Gloria Seleka, highlighted that the Municipality, in partnership with Bakwena N1N4 Toll and Economic Urban Farming NPC, held an event at the Bosele Drop-in Centre to commemorate the Birthday of South African freedom icon Nelson Mandela. She indicated that the 2025 edition of the commemoration is celebrated under the theme “it’s still in our hands to address poverty and inequality”.

South Africans are encouraged to develop food gardens as part of food security and poverty alleviation. The mayor thanked all stakeholders for supporting the initiatives and encouraged future partnerships to assist the centre in expanding its services to more needy families.

Bakwena is proud to stand alongside and work with the communities in celebrating and preserving Madiba’s legacy.  “We’re excited to contribute to initiatives such as these that look after the welfare of the most vulnerable among us: our children and animals. As a business, we have a responsibility to have a meaningful impact in the communities residing along the Bakwena N1N4 route, and interventions such as these is how we do it,” says Solomon Kganyago, Chief Operating Officer, Bakwena.