Nelson Mandela Foundation

The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory (NMCM) has received a mechanical boost to assist it to continue promoting Nelson Mandela’s legacy.

As a non-profit organisation, the NMCM relies on donations to conduct research into the life and times of Nelson Mandela, and locate, document and ensure the preservation of scattered archival resources. It also collects and curates Mr Mandela’s personal archive; promotes public access to these resources and fosters dialogue around them; and ensures that all initiatives in the name of Nelson Mandela are true to his legacy.

Furthermore, the Centre assists individuals and organisations with their own projects, runs its archive and facilitates policy-level dialogue around critical social issues including, most recently, access to information.

“Many people are not aware of our dependence on the goodwill of a range of people and the corporate community to assist us in carrying out our work,” said Achmat Dangor, the Chief Executive of the NMCM.

“We are therefore delighted and grateful that Volkswagen South Africa has donated to the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory two vehicles.”

Volkswagen Group South Africa will assist in addressing the NMCM’s transportation needs with a sponsorship of Volkswagen Polo Vivo for a period of one year.

The Polo Vivo is currently the best-selling passenger vehicle in South Africa. It is manufactured at the Volkswagen factory in Uitenhage together with the new Polo. Over 70% of parts in these vehicles are sourced locally, which has helped to create much-needed jobs in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area.

Nonkqubela Maliza, Director of Corporate and Government Affairs, said: “At Volkswagen, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) is more than a compliance issue – it is a way of doing business and our way of life. We pride ourselves on contributing to the economic and social progress of our communities through our CSI programmes – investing in education, youth development, health, community wellbeing and the environment.”