On 17 July 2026, Adopt-a-School Foundation brought the spirit of Mandela Day to life at Thathani Primary School in Zola, Soweto, where partners, volunteers and members of the school community came together for a day of service, transformation and learning.
The successful Back to School for Mandela Day initiative saw volunteers roll up their sleeves to improve the school environment and create meaningful experiences for learners. From painting classrooms and renovating the school’s sickbay to establishing a vegetable garden, the day resulted in practical improvements that will continue to benefit the school community beyond Mandela Day.
Learners also took part in a range of activities focused on learning, creativity and wellbeing. These included reading sessions, educational games, health screenings, eyesight testing, literacy activities, and coding and robotics. The programme provided learners with opportunities to learn, explore and engage in activities that complemented their classroom experience.
The initiative also reinforced the importance of creating safe, supportive and inspiring school environments. Through its Whole School Development approach, Adopt-a-School Foundation works with schools to address the broader needs that influence learner success, including infrastructure, school leadership and governance, curriculum support, and learner wellbeing.
The day was made possible through the generous support and participation of AngloGold Ashanti, Cell C, Timberland South Africa, Airbus, ROMH Consulting, Growthpoint Student Accommodation Holdings, Growthpoint Properties Limited, Thamani Assurance Inc., HONOR, Execuflora and the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.
Partners and volunteers contributed not only resources, but also their time, skills and energy, demonstrating the power of collective action to create meaningful change in schools and communities.
For the Thathani Primary School community, the impact of the day extends beyond the activities completed on 17 July. The improvements made to the school environment, the learner-focused activities and the connections created through the initiative form part of a broader commitment to supporting schools for the long term.
The initiative was a powerful reflection of the values associated with Nelson Mandela’s legacy – service, dignity, education and the belief that each of us has a role to play in building a better society.
As Adopt-a-School Foundation reflects on a successful Back to School for Mandela Day, we extend our sincere appreciation to every partner, volunteer, educator and member of the Thathani Primary School community who contributed to making the day possible.
Together, we turned a day of service into a lasting investment in learners, education and the future of South Africa.
