A Continuing Legacy of Service: Mandela Day 2026
A Continuing Legacy of Service: Mandela Day 2026
“It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it.” – Nelson Mandela
On 17 July 2026, Universal Paper & Plastics proudly continued its Mandela Day tradition of serving the communities that have supported the business throughout its history. As a company with longstanding roots in Ga-Rankuwa, Mandela Day remains an important opportunity to strengthen community partnerships and contribute to initiatives that make a meaningful difference.
Over the years, Universal Paper & Plastics has consistently supported Mandela Day initiatives and community development program, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community upliftment.
A Day of Service in Ga-Rankuwa
For Mandela Day 2026, our team spent the day at the Moepathutse Community Learning Centre (CLC) in Ga-Rankuwa, where employees, community partners, sponsors and community members gathered to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy through practical acts of service.
The program included inspiring speeches, spoken-word performances and traditional youth dances that showcased the talent and culture within the local community.
The event brought together 100 Universal Paper & Plastics employees who volunteered their time and skills to support the day’s activities. Approximately 100 community members were hosted and reached through the initiative, while 100 meals were served to elderly residents and other attendees.
One of the highlights of the day was sharing warm meals with community members, creating an opportunity for meaningful conversations and connection. Educational health talks provided valuable information to attendees, and 100 hampers were distributed to individuals and families in need. Each hamper included bed socks and a bale of household towels, providing practical support during the winter season.
The day demonstrated the value of collaboration, community participation and service in action.
Stronger Together
This special day would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of our sponsors and partners.
We extend our sincere thanks to:
- Northern Hope Foundation
- Ga-Rankuwa FM
- Gauteng Community Education and Training (Moepathutse CLC)
- CAPSA
- Sakata
- 3R
Their support and commitment helped make the initiative a success and enabled us to reach community members with practical assistance and meaningful engagement.
Celebrating Our Universal Angels
A special thank you goes to our employees, our Universal Angels, whose enthusiasm and dedication contributed significantly to the day’s success.
Whether preparing meals, assisting with hamper distributions, supporting community activities or engaging with attendees, your willingness to serve reflects the spirit of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.”
Your efforts helped create a welcoming and positive experience for everyone who attended.
A Tradition That Continues
At Universal Paper & Plastics, giving back is more than a corporate responsibility; it is part of our identity.
Our longstanding relationship with the Ga-Rankuwa community and continued support of Mandela Day initiatives reflect our commitment to building strong partnerships and contributing to sustainable community development.
As we reflect on another successful Mandela Day, we are grateful to our employees, sponsors, partners and community members who helped make the event possible. Together, we continue to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy through service, partnership and meaningful community engagement.