Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Pty) Limited handed over 350 lovingly created bears and accompanying handwritten messages of encouragement to the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital (NMCH), concluding its 2026 Mandela Bear Magic initiative.
Employees at Ford's Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria created 300 bears, while colleagues at the Struandale Engine Plant in Gqeberha created a further 50. Each bear was lovingly created, dressed and personalised by an employee. A small heart was placed inside, before the bear was sealed with a kiss and a special wish for the child who would receive it. Employees also added handwritten messages of encouragement for the hospital's young patients.
The bears were made on 28 July as part of Ford South Africa's Mandela Month activities. Employees and leaders at both plants dedicated 67 minutes to the initiative, reflecting the 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted to public service. Volunteers were nominated by their skill team leads, giving employees across both manufacturing sites an opportunity to take part in a shared act of service.
