Nelson Mandela reminds us that: “It is through education that the child of a domestic worker can become a doctor, that a child of a mine worker can become a mining engineer.” Madiba’s legacy asks more of us than remembrance. Every year, people across the world dedicate 67 minutes to service in honour of Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public service and struggle. But Mandela Day should never be reduced to 67 minutes of activity. Its true measure is what remains after those minutes have passed: a stronger school, a safer community and greater opportunity for the next generation.

Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, officially handed over three newly built classrooms at Giyani Primary School in Soweto on International Mandela Day, 18 July 2026, marking a significant investment in creating dignified learning spaces for young learners. The classrooms were donated by Absa in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Ride4Hope Foundation and Aspen, with the collaboration demonstrating how shared commitment and collective action can translate into meaningful opportunities that will benefit generations of learners.

The day began with the Ride4Hope cycling initiative, as cyclists set off from the Nelson Mandela House on Vilakazi Street, travelling to Giyani Primary School on a symbolic journey that connects Madiba’s legacy with the future of South Africa’s children. The ride represented active citizenship in action, reflecting the belief that Mandela’s legacy is honoured not only through remembrance but also through people and organisations taking action to address challenges facing communities.

At Giyani Primary School, the significance of the day was amplified by this year’s Mandela Day theme, “It is still in your hands to combat poverty and inequality.” The occasion reflected the understanding that building a more equitable society requires sustained commitment from government, communities, businesses and civil society.

General Counsel at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Ms Tamryn Sass, reminded attendees that Mandela Day is not simply about acts of service on one day, but about mobilising Madiba’s values through meaningful and sustainable action. She said the classroom handover represented far more than infrastructure, describing it as the handing over of opportunity and hope to learners who deserve environments that recognise their potential.

Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Absa Managing Executive of Corporate Citizenship, Mr Setlogane Manchidi, highlighted the importance of ensuring that corporate purpose translates into meaningful impact in communities. He emphasised that investments in education are investments in the dreams, aspirations and future potential of young people.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister Gwarube reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the foundations of learning and ensuring that learners receive the support required to thrive throughout their educational journey. The Minister highlighted the Department’s progress in Early Childhood Development, noting that the target of registering 10,000 ECD programmes had been exceeded, with more than 15,000 programmes now registered and reaching approximately 1.2 million children. She emphasised that expanding access to quality early learning remains central to improving educational outcomes and building a stronger education system. “Madiba’s legacy asks more of us than remembrance. It asks what we are prepared to build, protect and pass on. This classroom block is one answer to that question. When it is completed, may it become a place of learning, dignity and possibility for generations of children,” said Minister Gwarube.

Further strengthening the day’s investment in education, Aspen announced a R500,000 contribution towards the construction of a science laboratory at Giyani Primary School, reaffirming its belief in the transformative power of education and science. The programme concluded with Minister Gwarube and delegates touring the classrooms, laying commemorative bricks and planting trees on the school grounds – symbolic acts representing growth, renewal and the responsibility to nurture future generations.

Closing the occasion, Minister Gwarube called on all South Africans to continue honouring Madiba’s legacy through sustained commitment and collective action, urging the nation to keep “Building Strong Foundations for Strong Futures.”