In a moving display of unity and ubuntu, The Pavilion Shopping Centre partnered with SA Harvest for its second annual Mandela Day “Buckets of Nutrition for Matriculants” packing party. The initiative supports learners facing food insecurity as they prepare for final exams.
By the end of the day, 445 care buckets were packed by volunteers from all walks of life. Each contained nutritious non-perishable food, hygiene items, and essential school stationery, destined for matriculants in some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most rural and hard-to-reach areas via SA Harvest’s network of community-based organisations.
“It’s been incredible to see corporate donors like GanTrans and the Road Freight Association working alongside the public,” said Chiara Henry, SA Harvest’s Procurement Manager in Durban. “Durban really showed up for these matrics.”
Vicky Deppe, General Manager of The Pavilion, added, “Mandela Day is more than a moment — it’s a movement of hope. We’re proud to support the youth in a meaningful way.”
Volunteers shared heartfelt reasons for taking part. Retired teacher Reva Johnston said, “It’s still in our hands to fight poverty and inequality. This is exactly what learners need.” Model and mentor Christina Maloka brought her young mentees to teach the value of giving back, while five-year-old Sayuri Rampath, visiting from Dubai, eagerly joined the effort.
Camryn Linderboom, a Maris Stella matriculant, said, “I had to help. I know the struggle we even prayed for the recipients while packing.” Nirdosh Pillay of GanTrans added, “People underestimate the power of doing good. Our teams came hourly — not just to donate, but to lend a hand and write messages.”
Netball coach and content creator Sarah Kanamugire summed up the spirit of the day: “Food and nutrition are vital to academic success. This initiative directly supports our future leaders.”
