Transnet officials planting seed in Mamelodi Tshwane Photo supplied
“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.”
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
In line with the 2025 Mandela day theme, “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,” Transnet Engineering proudly launched its Plant a Garden campaign during the month of July. This initiative is a heartfelt contribution to the fight against poverty and food insecurity, and a reflection of our continued commitment to uplifting the communities in which we operate.
The campaign called upon employees across the country to nominate deserving Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) within their communities—particularly those with available backyard space suitable for vegetable gardening.
The actual execution of the project started a few weeks earlier to ensure soil readiness.
Transnet officials planting seed in Mamelodi Tshwane Photo supplied
This process was followed by the planting of vegetable seeds on the day of the event itself.
Both phases were successfully executed by employees and community members as volunteers.
Thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of Transnet Engineering leadership, employees and local community volunteers, two vegetable gardens were successfully established in Tshwane—one in Lindo Park and another in Mamelodi—on Mandela Day.
More gardens are set to be rolled out across the country in the coming weeks, expanding the campaign’s reach and impact.
“At Transnet Engineering, we remain committed to developing the communities we operate in.
Community gardening provides a way for people to grow their own fresh food, build community bonds, improve mental and physical health, and feed one another.
It also empowers communities to take full responsibility for this cost effective yet sustainable initiative,” remarked Zodwa Mashishi, Executive Manager of Corporate Affairs for Transnet Engineering.
This initiative not only honours the legacy of Nelson Mandela but also sows the seeds for long-term sustainability, resilience, and self-reliance in communities nationwide.