Former State President Nelson Mandela’s had a vision to eradicate racism and establishment of equal rights for the new democratic South Africa.
This vision exemplified by Elsies River Old Age Home and Lief en Leed, a disability organisation in Mamre that prompted Heineken South Africa (SA) to sponsor the organisation.
Kyle Sinclair, Heineken SA’s Sales Manager for the West Coast Region and Cape Town, managed to convinced his bosses to invest and in so doing, continue with Mandela’s vision.
“Donations such as household appliances and a temporary office will not only speed up the administration of Lief en Leed, but it will also help the organisation function better. The premises allocated to the organisation were not yet fenced, hence it was felt that the temporary office would be set up for the time being and then move over later to the allocated premises when it’s ready.
“Every human being, regardless of their circumstances, has an equal change in society. That is why Heineken SA has decided to walk a path with Lief en Leed of Mamre by assisting them so that they achieve their goals in life,” Sinclair said.
He reiterated that Heineken SA’s vision, not only strives to make a significant impact but also contribute to SA’s economic development. One way is through partnerships and business development support for organisations.
Jerome Johnson, a businessman from Mamre, said he fell in love with the organisation through a partnership with Lief en Leed, not because of their disability, but because they care about people. He donated 100 loaves of bread to disabled people at the Mandela event.
“It is this kind of commitment that attracts me to get involved with community organisations that promote Mandela’s legacy,” he said.
As a dedicated fighter for peace and justice in his pursuit of equal rights around the world, it would have made Mandela very happy today if he were still alive to see his legacy alive and that people like Lief en Leed, Heineken SA and Johnson continue what he believes in, he added. The Mandela Day event concluded with a lunch for the organisation and special guests at the Mamre community hall.
