Each year on July 18th, people around the world are called to action in honor of Nelson Mandela’s legacy. His life was rooted in service, justice, and the belief that every person has the power to make a difference. This Mandela Day, our staff and faculty answered that call with open hearts and helping hands.
Our staff and faculty contributed in different ways. Some gave 67 minutes of their time, others donated supplies, and some simply showed up, ready to help however they could. However they chose to take part, it all added up to something special.
What started as a simple stationery drive quickly grew into something much more impactful. Thanks to the collective energy of our community, we were able to donate books, school supplies, and gently used clothing. These items found a new home at Emothonjeni Community Centre in Zandspruit, an informal settlement just a short distance from the ALA campus.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.”
— Nelson Mandela
We’re especially grateful to the Empact catering team for preparing a warm breakfast and lending a hand throughout the morning. A big thank you as well to our operations team for taking care of the logistics, moving donations from storage to sorting with care and efficiency.
When we act with care, generosity, and purpose, we honor the values Mandela stood for — dignity, justice, and the belief that each of us can shape a better world. His legacy is not just about one extraordinary life, but about the everyday choices we make to lift others up and build stronger communities.
Mandela Day is a reminder that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. When we come together with shared purpose, we not only honor Mandela’s legacy, we build the kind of world he dreamed was possible.
