Hollywood Foundation Plants Seeds of Hope Across All 9 Provinces this Mandela Day

South Africa, 18 July 2025: In honour of Mandela Day 2025, the Hollywood Foundation rolled out a nationwide campaign focused on food security through sustainable agriculture and food gardens. Taking place on 18 July across nine provinces, the initiative supported ten schools and NPOs that promote feeding schemes, sustainable living, and agricultural education. Guided by the Mandela Day theme, “It’s Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequity”, the Foundation went beyond the symbolic 67 minutes to plant the seeds of long-lasting change by equipping communities with the tools and knowledge to grow their own food and nurture future leaders in agriculture. This year’s campaign was a hands-on investment in dignity and sustainability. Through this initiative, the Hollywood Foundation provided critical support such as greenhouse tunnels, gardening equipment, seedlings, and resources to help scale food garden efforts in already active organisations. In addition to gardening, the Foundation hosted creative and interactive handover events on Mandela Day, which included planting sessions, painting of signage, cooking demonstrations, and the distribution of meals – all rooted in the spirit of community upliftment. The ten handover events took place as follows:

• Eastern Cape: Sinako We Can – NPO, Guguluza location, Kariega, Uitenhage, 12:00 PM
• Free State: Kgato Entle Community Project, Plot 20 Martindale Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metro
• Gauteng: Swartkop Valley Primary School, 19 Kromdraai Road, Swartkop, Muldersdrift, Krugersdorp
• KwaZulu-Natal: VelaNjabulo Foundation, Vukuzakhe High School – 11 Sangcobe Rd, Umlazi L
• KwaZulu-Natal: Emseni NPO, Next to Princess Magogo Stadium – Undlondlo Rd, KwaMashu
• Limpopo: Khomanani Vatsoniwa, Stand M100 Valdezia
• Mpumalanga: Thanduxolo Special School, 1498 Verby Street, Ext 3, Klarinet
• North West: Noka Ya Lorato Primary School, Stand 15 Lethabong, Rustenburg
• Northern Cape: South African San Development Organisation (SASDO), Kamatoka Street, Platfontein, Kimberley
• Western Cape: Abalimi Bezekhaya, Cnr NY3 & NY77 Gugulethu, Cape Town at the Gugulethu Community Health Centre

Each of these organisations plays a crucial role in their communities – from supporting children with special needs, to running feeding schemes and imparting agricultural skills to the youth. Their partnership with the Hollywood Foundation will allow them to scale their food production, reduce reliance on external donations, and pass on sustainable farming knowledge to the next generation. The Foundation also worked closely with key media partners who helped amplify the campaign and drive awareness. In the Eastern Cape, Tru FM was on the ground, with Programme Manager Sakhi Makapela present to witness the transformation. The Western Cape saw a vibrant presence from Umhlobo Wenene FM, with Luks Gidane in attendance, alongside board members from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. In Limpopo, Munghana Lonene FM supported the handover with on the ground support and reports. In KwaZulu-Natal, Ukhozi FM amplified both handovers, with renowned presenter Nonhlanhla “Mroza” Buthelezi, joining the KwaMashu event. Reflecting on the day, Mr. Mpho Dintwa, CSI Manager at the Hollywood Foundation, shared: “This campaign is rooted in the belief that true change begins with empowering people at the grassroots level. By investing in food gardens and agricultural education, we are combating hunger and building resilience and sustainability for tomorrow. It’s been an honour to witness the commitment of our beneficiaries and to stand alongside them as they continue to grow food, hope, and dignity in their communities.” The Hollywood Foundation extends its gratitude to all its partners, beneficiaries, and media collaborators who helped bring Mandela Day 2025 to life. As the seedlings grow in these gardens, so too does the Foundation’s commitment to meaningful, long-term impact in South African communities.