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Ford South Africa Supports Madiba’s Legacy with Vehicle Donation to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund

Aug 01, 2025

In a moving celebration held on the final day of Mandela Month and during the 30th anniversary year of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF), Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa officially handed over a fleet of 19 vehicles to support the Fund’s far-reaching work across the country.

The event brought together Ford’s leadership team, NMCF trustees, partner stakeholders, media, and special guests for a momentous occasion that honoured the legacy of Nelson Mandela and reaffirmed his enduring promise to children.

The Master of Ceremonies opened the proceedings with a powerful message: “Ford has enabled children to dream - and dream bigger - in order to realise those dreams.” This sentiment set the tone for a day steeped in emotion, celebration, and shared purpose.

Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, expressed her heartfelt appreciation, emphasising that the Fund’s work is both intentional and impactful: “We empower the voices of children, and this partnership enables us to deepen our reach and continue changing lives.”

Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company, Africa, reflected on Ford’s legacy, both globally and in South Africa, and connected the vision of Henry Ford to this momentous occasion: “It was Henry Ford who said the mission was to open the highways to all mankind. Today, we honour that legacy by supporting a new generation of changemakers.”

The highlight of the day was the symbolic handover of the keys to the 19 Ford vehicles comprising Transits, Tourneos, and Rangers, which have been intentionally allocated and, in some cases, custom-configured to support the Fund’s fieldwork, mobile services, and community outreach initiatives.

This milestone marks the culmination of over a year of collaborative planning between Ford and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. More importantly, it represents a shared commitment to building a brighter, more equitable future for South Africa’s children.