The Dynamic Technologies group companies were proud to be involved in a number of worthy initiatives on Mandela Day (18 July) and in some cases, their initiatives continued throughout Mandela Month. Designated as a celebration of the life and profound impact of South Africa’s iconic President Nelson Mandela, it’s a time to take stock and decide how to make a difference to our communities and help to change lives for the better.
Rising to the challenge, CloudSmiths, DVT, Dynamic DNA, and Inspired Testing celebrated Mandela Day in their own unique way by giving back to the communities. The theme for Mandela Month this year was early childhood development, food security, and just cities, and the Dynamic Technologies group companies took this message to heart with their chosen initiatives.
CloudSmiths teams in Johannesburg and Cape Town volunteered at two local charities that cater to the most vulnerable communities. The Joburg team packed essential food parcels for African Havens, a social branch of the Every Nation group of churches that serves those most in need in the community. The Cape Town crew volunteered at Ladles of Love, which used Mandela Day to collect donations of non-perishable food while volunteers crafted items that aid in early childhood development. The aim of both initiatives was to raise awareness while also giving back to the community. “Volunteering just a small amount of time for charities such as these can have a much bigger impact than you might expect,” says Patrick Eriksen, Head of Marketing at CloudSmiths.
CloudSmiths Joburg team packed essential food parcels for African Haven.
Karen Heydenrych, PR and Communications Manager at DVT, says. “We’re dedicated to having a positive impact on our community, especially on Mandela Day. This year, we are running our annual #DVTMoveForCharity Challenge throughout July. Our goal was to raise R30 000 by accumulating 1 000 hours of exercise, with DVT donating 50 cents for every minute our staff exercised. We have already reached our target and will be announcing the NGO benefiting from this donation in August!”
Heydenrych adds, “We are also proudly supporting the Teddy Bear Foundation in Gauteng by collecting teddy bears and other soft toys throughout July. The foundation aims to provide comfort for children who have experienced abuse by providing them with soft toys.”
DVT collected teddy bears and soft toys for the Teddy Bear Foundation.
Dynamic DNA focused their attention on the Randburg Clinic School, a school for learners who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or a Severe Behaviour Disorder. Prudence Mathebula, Dynamic DNA Founder and Managing Director, says, “Mandela Day serves as a reminder to all of us to embody Nelson Mandela’s values and principles by making a positive impact on our communities and by changing lives. These principles align perfectly with those of our organisation, as we focus on developing and empowering our communities. This Mandela Day we had the privilege of bringing joy and magic to Randburg Clinic School.”
Mathebula adds, “Every child has the potential to learn, and our staff are committed to helping each learner reach their full potential. We gained valuable insights and learnt about the essential educational programmes and therapeutic support provided on-site by the school. We engaged with the children, spent some time with them, and distributed some gifts for them to enjoy. We are so grateful to Randburg Clinic School for allowing us to have a positive impact on their learners, and for teaching us valuable lessons about the spirit of Ubuntu.”
Dynamic DNA donated items and spent time with the children at the Randburg Clinic School.
At Inspired Testing, employees were happy to donate blankets and food to the Stellenbosch Night Shelter. Established in 1991, the shelter caters for Stellenbosch’ most vulnerable community – the homeless, and can accommodate 75 adults, offering safety, a bed for the night, ablution facilities, two meals, and access to social work services on a temporary basis. The shelter also aims to provide the opportunity for self-improvement and assistance, where possible, for their clients to re-enter mainstream society. Karin van Blerk, Marketing Manager at Inspired Testing, says, “Support such as this helps the Stellenbosch Night Shelter continue to provide essential services – not only immediate relief but also long-term solutions – to the homeless. At Inspired Testing we are proud to be making a difference in the lives of those in need.”
Inspired Testing donated blankets and food to the Stellenbosch Night Shelter.