Madiba himself believed that education is what makes the greatest impact. He said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”    

For many companies, offering scholarships, internships, apprenticeships and mentorships is an excellent way to help change the world while reaping many benefits, including tax incentives and access to well-trained future employees.   

Businesses can also simply contribute to the official Mandela Day Each1Feed1 campaign or join in a community initiative.   

Companies can also link into the Mandela Day Global Network, a community of organisations, government, corporates and individuals that partner with the Nelson Mandela Foundation to drive Mandela Day and pursue its objectives. It is a base for the strategic partnerships of organisations with common goals aimed at globally coordinating efforts, sharing information and linking the needs to resources.

There are so many ideas…

• Dedicate 67 minutes to brainstorm and plan your company’s formalised contribution going forward
  
  
• Give your staff 67 minutes of paid time off work to support a charity or organisation of their own choosing
  
  
• Spend 67 minutes as a team painting, cleaning and maintaining a school, clinic or library
  
  
• Take 67 minutes to clean up the street or the local park, or volunteer to help out at a soup kitchen or animal shelter
  
  
• Kick-off a project to plant 67 trees or a community garden over the coming year
  
  
• Host a fundraiser such as a breakfast, fun walk or even a golf day to raise funds for a local cause
  
  
• Donate your 67 units of your products, service or expertise to a start-up company or a local charity organisation
  
  
• Pledge to donate R67 for each R50 raised for a cause by employees, clients and suppliers
  
  
• Donate 67 blankets, food parcels, rugby or football kits, bicycles or computers to a school, church or a local organisation
  
  
• Make company resources, such as delivery vehicles or computers, available to organisations when not in use (e.g. over a weekend)
  
  
• Host a party for emergency workers and volunteers, or treat a group of underprivileged kids or the elderly to a fun day.

What are the benefits to your business?

Social contributions improve not only the lives of the project’s beneficiaries but also of those who are involved –

• Creates an opportunity to link your business to a cause aligned with your corporate identity and business strategy
  
  
• Improved brand recognition through association and positive media coverage
  
  
• Placing your company in a positive spotlight improves corporate reputation and creates a competitive edge with regard to attracting and retaining investors, clients, suppliers and employees
  
  
• Increased customer loyalty: consumers are attracted to companies that contribute to a greater cause, as it allows them to feel they are making an indirect impact just by supporting your company and brand
  
  
• Higher employee satisfaction: a common cause for the greater good is an excellent way to bring employees together to make a difference as a team.