Dysselsdorp, Western Cape | 17 July 2026
In honour of Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy of service and compassion, Casidra dedicated its 67 Minutes for Mandela Day to supporting vulnerable members of the Dysselsdorp community through donations that restore dignity while strengthening local food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Working alongside its generous partners, Casidra donated blankets to elderly residents at the ACVV Centre, school shoes and toiletry packs to children, rainwater harvesting tanks, gardening tools, seedlings, agricultural production inputs and canned food to support household and community food gardens.
Dysselsdorp remains one of the Western Cape’s rural communities facing significant socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, poverty and food insecurity. Many households rely on social grants and community support to meet their daily needs. Through this initiative, Casidra sought to provide immediate relief while creating opportunities for communities to become more resilient and self-reliant.
Speaking during the handover, Casidra‘s PR, Marketing and Communications Manager, Experience Matshediso, said Mandela Day reminds everyone that lasting change begins with ordinary acts of service; “Today we are not merely handing over donations; we are investing in dignity, hope and opportunity. Every blanket offers warmth, every pair of school shoes restores confidence, every toiletry pack promotes dignity, while every garden tool, rainwater harvesting tank and agricultural input creates an opportunity for families to grow food and build resilience. This is how we honour Madiba’s legacy, through meaningful action that creates lasting impact.”
Matshediso added that Casidra‘s commitment to community development extends far beyond Mandela Day; “Madiba taught us that each of us has the power to make a difference. Through these donations, we are responding to immediate needs while investing in the long-term wellbeing of our communities. Creating opportunities and restoring dignity remain at the heart of sustainable development.”
He also expressed appreciation to the organisations whose generosity made the initiative possible; “We sincerely thank AgriMark, Klein Karoo Agri, Dynotech, Nel Tanks, Umanyano NPO and the Oudtshoorn Municipality for partnering with us. Their support demonstrates the power of collaboration in changing lives and creating lasting impact.”
Expressing heartfelt appreciation, ACVV Centre Manager Beatrice Maritz thanked Casidra and its partners for bringing hope to the community; “Your generous donations enabled us to honour Madiba’s legacy by bringing warmth, care and dignity to our elderly community members. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, reminding us that compassion and collective action can restore hope where it is needed most. We are sincerely grateful for your support and partnership in making this initiative possible.”
As South Africans dedicate 67 minutes in honour of Nelson Mandela’s lifelong commitment to serving others, Casidra reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners throughout the year to strengthen food security, improve livelihoods and advance inclusive rural development across the Western Cape.
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