Supporting the Ga-Rankuwa Community on Nelson Mandela Day 2024

Since 2022, Sakata Seed Southern Africa has proudly supported the Universal Paper and Plastics Nelson Mandela Day initiative. Our contribution includes donating vegetable seeds to the community of Ga-Rankuwa, particularly to the Northern Hope Foundation, a registered NPO dedicated to assisting the community in Ga-Rankuwa and surrounding areas.

Founded in 2013, the Northern Hope Foundation began as a humble soup kitchen, providing nourishment to elderly individuals waiting in long queues for their pension money. Over the years, the foundation has grown to offer honourable services and support to those in need.

On Nelson Mandela Day 2023, the Northern Hope Foundation established a new community vegetable garden, namely the Northern Hope Gardens, at the Moepathutse Community Learning Centre in Zone 1 of Ga-Rankuwa. Sakata Seed donated a variety of vegetable seed packets and the garden has become a vital source of fresh produce for the community.

This year, on 19 July 2024, the Nelson Mandela Day initiative once again took place at the Moepathutse Community Learning Centre. The day was marked by the distribution of hot soup and goodie bags to the elderly residents of Ga-Rankuwa, along with a joyful performance by the children, who showcased several dance routines to entertain their elders.

The heartfelt gratitude and enthusiasm of the elderly community were profound, with many expressing their thanks through song and dance. A well-respected elder even stood up to commend Pinky and her team from the Northern Hope Foundation, highlighting the importance of the community garden as a critical source of food for many of the residents.

Sakata was honoured to support the Northern Hope Foundation again this year, by donating more vegetable seeds. We will also continue our support by providing training and expert advice on the production of vegetables to make their vegetable gardens flourish.   We hope that this will  empower the foundation to achieve even greater success in their gardening efforts.

We are grateful to partner with Lindy Talbot and the team of Universal Paper and Plastics in this meaningful initiative.