“One Act of Kindness, A Lifetime of Change”
Internationally, but especially in South Africa, Mandela Day hold significant meaning. The day came to be as a way to honour former South African President Nelson Mandela by encouraging citizens of the world to volunteer 67 minutes of their time to their community – a nod to Mandela’s 67 years of servitude to his country.
Every year, Cheetah Plains gives back in a way which embodies the values of ubuntu, service, and unity. This year, the Cheetah Plains team spent the day in Utah Village, dedicating their time and resources to a local resident and pillar of strength to the local community; a woman named Florence and her family.
Florence runs her own vegetable garden, a modest yet vital source of income for herself and her dependents. In support of her efforts, the Cheetah Plains team – along with a few guests who selflessly elected to join the experience – gave the garden a refreshed look as well provided a number of new, necessary tools. With picks in hands, fingers in the soil and hearts aligned, the team worked together to create something meaningful and long-lasting.
In addition to the garden makeover, Florence’s children also received blankets of their own; a seemingly small gesture but considering all six had previously shared a mere three blankets between them, this was a welcome, warm relief and was met with heartfelt gratitude. Throughout the time together, tears were shared, hugs exchanged and smiles stretched wide as the community of Cheetah Plains and Utah became one.
Cheetah Plains’ talented team member Dudu, brought a touch of personalisation to the day with custom embroidered shirts for all; a gesture of unity woven into every stitch. As the day came to a close and the sun began to set, team members, guests and community alike gathered for a shared meal. It was an evening of togetherness, a space where cultures intertwined, stories shared and love radiated throughout. Florence and her family were filled with gratitude, and for the Cheetah Plains team, it was a profound reminder that impact doesn’t always require scale. As NJ van der Merwe, General Manager of Cheetah Plains so succinctly put it, “What a blessed feeling to be part of something so small, that could mean the world to someone else.”
Any guests who wish to be involved in the local community whilst enjoying their time on property, be it from afar or in hands-on approach, can most certainly do so. Cheetah Plains provides ongoing support of the local crèche, where Angie, the appointed caregiver, takes care and nurtures the young resident children. Guests have the opportunity of joining along for an afternoon of care and frivolity in equal measure or providing support through the Cheetah Plains Beanie Project; a women-lead initiative who handcraft beanies, available at Shari’s Boutique, which can be bought or donated. Donated beanies are distributed amongst the children of the creche and local school alike and the proceeds from any beanies bought are reinvested into the project.
As Cheetah Plains continues to find opportunities to support and aid the local community, may the words of the late Nelson Mandela inspire further action to all – and not only on Mandela Day.
“A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community’s lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.”
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