More than 50 employees from BASF South Africa rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal as they joined forces with nonprofit partners to mark Nelson Mandela Day with a strong focus on community upliftment.
From repainting community spaces to planting sustainable food gardens and playing blind soccer, the volunteers spent the day giving back under the global Mandela Day theme: “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality.”
BASF teamed up with Johannesburg-based nonprofit Corinthians Africa, KwaZulu-Natal’s Horizon Farm Trust, and paint manufacturer Kansai Plascon to deliver practical and high-impact initiatives aimed at creating lasting change. The activities spanned two provinces where BASF operates manufacturing sites.
In Johannesburg, volunteers transformed community gardens into sustainable food sources and gave a fresh coat of paint to several offices and a kitchen area at Corinthians Africa. Kansai Plascon donated paint for the revamp, with employees from both companies bringing colour and energy to the task.
“We’re proud to bring colour and care to spaces that matter,” said Alan Cotton, General Manager for Kansai Plascon Southern Africa. “Partnering with BASF allows us to use our products for purpose brightening lives and building community.”
Corinthians Africa CEO Jack Msibi praised the partnership, saying: “Working alongside BASF and Kansai Plascon has been a powerful reminder of what collaboration can achieve. Together, we’re creating spaces of dignity, safety, and pride for our youth.”
In KwaZulu-Natal, similar efforts unfolded at Horizon Farm Trust, where volunteers dug in to revamp gardens and support food security efforts.
“At BASF, we believe that sustainability starts at the grassroots,” said Devan Govender, Managing Director of BASF Agricultural Specialities. “Supporting food security through garden revamping is one way we can honour Madiba’s legacy while empowering local communities to thrive.”
The day ended on a heartwarming note in Johannesburg as BASF volunteers participated in a friendly blind soccer match with the community a symbolic act of inclusion and solidarity. Everyone then gathered for a shared meal to celebrate a day of connection and giving.
“Nelson Mandela Day is not just a moment it’s a movement,” said Sibonakaliso Shabangu, Head of Human Resources and interim Managing Director for BASF South Africa. “From food security to youth empowerment, each initiative was a step toward building a more compassionate and sustainable future. This is our response to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to help transform our world and this year, we made every minute count.”
