“VUT marked Nelson Mandela Day by partnering with the CE7 community to establish a community garden and car wash, creating sustainable opportunities through 67 minutes of service.”
21 July 2026 | Story by: Sadiki Siphiwe | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
In honour of Nelson Mandela Day, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), together with community members and strategic partners, spent 67 minutes creating a lasting legacy rather than simply performing an act of service. On 18 July 2026, volunteers transformed an unused space in Vanderbijlpark CE7 into the beginnings of a community garden and car wash, laying the foundation for a project that will continue to benefit local families long after Mandela Day has passed.
The initiative, coordinated by Director of Community Engagement, Mr Joseph Radebe, brought together residents of Boipatong and Vanderbijlpark CE7, Nhlanhlayethu Holdings, Aiden-Stone, PML Travel and Logistics, and the VUT Green Campus Initiative (GCI) student structure. Together they cleaned the area, planted flowers and prepared the site for facilities that will not only beautify the neighbourhood but also create opportunities for income generation and community ownership.
The 67 minutes symbolise the 67 years Nelson Mandela dedicated to the struggle for freedom, justice and equality. By volunteering their time, participants demonstrated that meaningful change often begins with small, collective acts of service.
The occasion also coincided with the birthday of VUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, adding another layer of significance to the day. Community members and partners extended their best wishes, describing the project as a fitting tribute to a leader whose commitment to community engagement continues to inspire the University to serve beyond its campuses.
Speaking during the programme, Chairperson of Nhlanhlayethu Holdings, Mr Alfred Dlamini, said the project was driven by a shared vision of turning neglected spaces into places of hope.
“Nelson Mandela taught us that communities become stronger when people work together. This initiative is about giving back, creating opportunities and ensuring that future generations inherit a cleaner, greener and more caring community.”
Representing the VUT Green Campus Initiative, Relebohile Masiu said students embraced the opportunity because environmental sustainability begins with practical action.
“Our slogan is ‘Pioneers of a Greener Tomorrow Starting Today.’ Dedicating our 67 minutes to this project is our way of honouring Madiba’s legacy while making a meaningful contribution to our community.”
Corporate partner PML Travel and Logistics, represented by Director Ms Mantaoleng Mofokeng, supported the initiative by providing meals for volunteers throughout the day.
“Community development requires partnerships. We are proud to support initiatives that empower communities and create sustainable opportunities. The garden and car wash will continue to benefit residents.”
Community representative Ms Chairmane Mlangeni thanked VUT and its partners for investing in the well-being of communities surrounding the University.
“The 67 minutes we shared today will leave a lasting impact on our community. We appreciate VUT and every partner who chose to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day by serving others. This initiative will bring hope, create opportunities and improve the lives of many families.”
Rather than being remembered as a once-off Mandela Day activity, the project stands as a practical example of how collaboration between higher education, business and local communities can create sustainable change. The community garden and car wash represent more than physical developments. They reflect a shared commitment to dignity, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity and active citizenship, values that Nelson Mandela championed throughout his life.