“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one's time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.” – Nelson Mandela

As communities across South Africa face the bitter effects of winter - including floods, extreme cold, and rising levels of poverty and hunger - Engen has once again stepped up to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day through heartfelt acts of giving.

Under the 2025 Mandela Day theme, “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,” Engen joined long-standing humanitarian partners Gift of the Givers and FoodForward SA to reach vulnerable communities with food, warmth, and hope.

This year, Engen’s Employee Volunteerism Programme was rolled out across four provinces - KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape - with record teams of Engenites, along with colleagues from Vivo Energy, dedicating time and energy to projects aimed at alleviating hunger and supporting those displaced by recent severe weather. Engen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vivo Energy.

Nationwide Acts of Service

From supplying ingredients for community soup kitchens to preparing nutritious meals and packing food parcels, Engenites and their Vivo Energy colleagues came together in a spirit of teamwork and solidarity.

• In the Eastern Cape, employees visited Walmer High School in Gqeberha to pack 100 food parcels and 100 blankets, and assemble 100 hot meals for local residents affected by the severe weather.
• In the Western Cape, employees visited Seawinds Community Hall in Capricorn Park, Muizenberg to distribute 100 food parcels, 100 blankets, and help prepare 300 hot, nutritious meals for residents whose lives have been upended by gale-force winds and flooding.
• In KwaZulu-Natal, employees visited the Abbaquar-San Dream Centre in Wentworth, where they packed hampers comprising a 3-month supply of non-perishable food items to sustain the soup kitchen over the winter period and helped to assemble hot meals for local residents.
• In Gauteng, employees gathered at Riverlea Empowerment Centre, Langlaagte to pack 100 food parcels and 100 hygiene packs , and prepare 100 hot meals for distribution to the local community.

“Mandela Day reminds us of Madiba’s unwavering commitment to humanity and his belief in the power of collective action to bring about positive change,” says Olwethu Mdabula, Engen’s CSI Manager.

“This year, we wanted to respond meaningfully to the crisis at hand - bringing warmth, food, and dignity to communities struggling through winter. Our long-standing partnerships with Gift of the Givers and FoodForward SA continue to be instrumental in making that impact real.”

“Engen always heeds the call,” said Ali Sablay, Project Manager at Gift of the Givers.

“From swift emergency response to sustained food relief, their consistent support makes it possible for us to reach those who need help most. We are proud to partner with Engen again this Mandela Day.

Beyond One Day of Service

Mandela Day is not just another commemorative date - it is a moment of reflection and action. It calls on each of us to spend at least 67 minutes doing something that benefits others - a symbolic reminder of the 67 years Nelson Mandela dedicated to the fight for justice.

“Everyone has the ability and responsibility to change the world for the better,” adds Mdabula.

“When employees rally together for a good cause, even just for one day, it creates lasting bonds that echo back into the workplace. The compassion shown this Mandela Day helps build a culture of unity, empathy, and shared purpose.”

As a brand committed to enriching lives for a sustainable future, Engen remains devoted to uplifting the communities it serves.

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