BASF in South Africa and The Pink Forum join forces to empower Early Childhood Development Centres on Mandela Day 2023

Johannesburg, Gauteng – BASF in South Africa, in collaboration with The Pink Forum, is proud to announce it’s continued commitment to making a difference in the lives of children in Kanana, Tembisa through the Mandela Day 2023 initiative. Building upon the success of last year's partnership, this year's program aims to enhance the holistic well-being of children in early childhood development (ECD) centres by providing educational resources, toys, toiletries, and professional guidance for their caregivers.

Mandela Day, celebrated annually on July 18th, honours the legacy of the great leader Nelson Mandela by encouraging individuals and organisations to engage in acts of service and upliftment within their communities. In 2022, BASF in South Africa partnered with The Pink Forum, and spent Mandela Day painting the centres to create vibrant learning environments for the children. This year, the initiative takes a step further by focusing on enabling the holistic development of the child and supporting their caregivers.

The Mandela Day 2023 initiative centres around donations for educational books and toys, as well as essential toiletries, benefiting children between the ages of three months to six years old. These valuable resources will not only enrich the learning experience of the children but also provide them with the tools they need to thrive and unlock their full potential.

Moreover, there is an additional focus on the importance of supporting educators and caretakers in creating nurturing environments. To this end, professionals such as occupational and play therapists provided guidance and advice to the caregivers, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to create positive environments that foster the children's growth and development.

"This year, we aim to make a lasting impact by focusing on the longer-term wellbeing of children in ECDs. By providing educational materials, toys, and professional support, we hope that we can contribute positively to both the children and their caregivers helping them reach their full potential, and rewrite the narrative,” said Pugiso Ntsele, Social Committee Chairperson.

The Mandela Day 2023 initiative offered an opportunity for individuals and organisations to contribute and make a difference. Donations were received from Amka Products (Pty) Ltd and employees within BASF. Further contributions were made by ICAS through offering volunteers, and the professional therapists who guided on the day on pro bono basis. This serving as a testament to the power of collaborating towards a worthy cause.

Media Contact:

BASF Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd

Miss Batlile Phaladi

Senior Manager Communications

ramathetje.phaladi@basf.com

Mobile: +27 71 485 1805

The Pink Forum

Miss Mandisa Jiyane

Founder and Director

Mobile: +27 68 385 9003

theforumispink@gmail.com