Sasol handed over a cheque of R1 million to Sibongile Mkhabela, CEO of the Nelson Mandela's Children Fund (NMCF), in celebration of Mandela's 90th birthday. The presentation took place at the test match between the Springboks and Argentina at Coca Cola Park (formerly Ellis Park) in Johannesburg.
Sasol is National team sponsor of the Springboks, who since 1995 have built up a great affinity for Madiba as one of their keenest supporters.
"Our contribution is in honour of the spirit of this incredible man, the enormous contributions he has made to our country and his sustained passion for our children," says Sasol CE Pat Davies. "We have chosen to support the fund, a leading organisation on children's rights and care in South Africa, as we believe its work is testament to Madiba's response on how a society should treat its children."
In addition to the corporate donation, Sasol's Making a Difference (MAD) Campaign, which mobilises employees internally to participate in socially responsible projects, is encouraging staff to make a monetary pledge to the fund.
"For us, Madiba's 90th birthday is a significant milestone and a time to reflect on how we are going to keep his legacy alive through providing opportunities to South Africa's children,'' says Pamilla Mudhray, manager of Corporate Social Investment at Sasol. "We are encouraging a spirit of giving within our organisation, and actively promoting involvement in the important work of the fund as our teams embrace the values reflected in Madiba's ideals."
The NMCF was one of the first organisation's set up by Nelson Mandela with the prize money he received in 1994 from winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
