Casidra Commemorates Mandela Day 2025 with Acts of Service Across Rural Western Cape

By: Jay-dee Solomons

In honour of Mandela Day 2025, Casidra together with Land Bank, Kaap Agri, RTL Agri, Nel Tanks, and Tri-Toad embarked on a heartfelt mission to uplift rural communities through acts of service rooted in compassion and sustainability. The commemoration, held over two impactful days, showcased a shared commitment to social impact, food security, and educational support across the Western Cape.

The commemorative activities kicked off on 16 July 2025 at the Siyabonga Project in Vredenburg, where Casidra’s CEO, Dr Keith Du Plessis, and staff joined Deputy Director-General of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Darryl Jacobs, and his team in honouring the Mandela Day spirit with 67 minutes of hands-on service in the food garden. The engagement was more than symbolic it was deeply meaningful to the project beneficiaries, who felt seen and supported through this practical demonstration of solidarity. The day centred on promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security, and strengthening the resilience of rural households.

On 18 July 2025, Casidra, in partnership with Land Bank, continued its outreach at Amalienstein L.B. Primary School in Zoar. Over 350 pairs of brand-new school shoes and warm socks were handed over to delighted learners, along with rainwater harvesting tanks and vegetable seedlings to boost the school’s food garden. The day brimmed with energy and joy as Casidra staff spent time with the children, sharing stories, planting seedlings, and nurturing hope.

In his remarks to the learners, Michael Mackenzie, Casidra’s Programme Manager for Food Security, offered words of encouragement:

“Wear your new shoes with pride, and keep them shining, because you are walking into a brighter future. Take ownership of your journey, because you are the leaders of tomorrow.”

Henry Jantjies, representing Land Bank, emphasised the importance of collaboration:

“Our goal as Land Bank is to make a meaningful difference in rural communities by supporting development and food security. We are grateful to Casidra for the opportunity to partner on this initiative and for helping us align our shared commitment to uplifting the people of this land.”

Expressing heartfelt gratitude, School Principal Lesné Bosman shared:

“To Casidra and its partners you are truly outstanding. Thank you for saying ‘yes’ when it mattered most, and for embracing this initiative with open hearts. On behalf of all of us at Amalienstein Primary School, our heartfelt thanks for every effort, big and small, that made this day so special.”

Casidra extends its deepest appreciation to all sponsors, partners, and staff whose dedication and contributions made this year’s Mandela Day initiatives a success. Their collective efforts are a testament to the enduring spirit of Ubuntu that together, we can achieve more.

As the implementing Company of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Casidra remains steadfast in its mission to drive sustainable rural development and social change, one community at a time.