Since 2009 we have celebrated Mandela Day (18 July) to carry on Madiba's work and inspiration to change the world, or at least a part of it. This year, Facilities Management's staff, suppliers, and contractors pulled out all the stops to give back to the AF Louw Primary School in Stellenbosch.
One by one, construction vehicles pulled in and out came the ladders, paintbrushes, screwdrivers, weed eaters and chain saws. There was no one giving instructions, calling out demands. Instinctively everyone started to work on something they were good at – planting vegetables in the new garden, thinning out bushes and trees, fixing leaks, laying new tiles, painting walls, and restoring an old rusty pavilion next to the sport field where the lawnmower tractor is doing its thing.
One by one, construction vehicles pulled in and out came the ladders, paintbrushes, screwdrivers, weed eaters and chain saws. There was no one giving instructions, calling out demands. Instinctively everyone started to work on something they were good at – planting vegetables in the new garden, thinning out bushes and trees, fixing leaks, laying new tiles, painting walls, and restoring an old rusty pavilion next to the sports field where the lawnmower tractor is doing its thing.
Principal Anne Tarr welcomed the teams, who said she expected a few people to come to the school to fix some stuff, but instead, it was a full-scale operation. "Thank you for touching lives here today. We must teach our children to dream; this is how dreams come true. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
Because Principal Tarr and this school touched her life, Aloma Fourie, Manager: maintenance planning at FM's Property Services, was delighted that this school was picked for this year's Mandela project.
Aloma quickly assembled a team with Robert Todkill, technical advisor, and the maintenance team at FM to get the maintenance wheels rolling. Over 170 people helped somehow on Mandela day to improve the school. "You give a job like this to Aloma, and magic happens," said Nicolette van den Eijkel, FM's Chief Director, who thanked each person for arriving and helping where they could.
Aloma said she wanted to show that SU is not an entity in isolation. "SU is part of the bigger Stellenbosch community, and what we do impacts everybody that lives here. Many of FM's staff and their children attended this school. I wish that SU inspire the children from this school as a place that is there for the bigger community."
"Some of our suppliers and staff were on site almost this whole week leading up to Mandela Day, as there was a lot of work to be done," said Brandon Como, who took the lead on this event. "It is unbelievable how everyone just came on board to make this project far better than we anticipated." Brandon and his organising committee did wonders in arranging the day's logistics and ensured everyone was there, had their tools and a much-deserved lunch. The staff even organised to collect non-perishable articles to donate to the school.
The atmosphere at AF Louw was eclectic and energetic. You could not help laughing at all the sayings from people working hand-in-hand and against the clock to restore, fix and create a place that learners will be proud to return to. People said they were privileged to be part of a group of people that give of themselves, so you cannot even find words to describe it.
Watch the video here: FM's Mandela day 2022 for a quick glimpse of the day's activities.
"It always seems impossible until it's done," said Madiba.
