Employees at Ford's Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria created 300 bears, while colleagues at the Struandale Engine Plant in Gqeberha created a further 50. Each bear was lovingly created, dressed and personalised by an employee. A small heart was placed inside, before the bear was sealed with a kiss and a special wish for the child who would receive it. Employees also added handwritten messages of encouragement for the hospital's young patients.

The bears were made on 28 July as part of Ford South Africa's Mandela Month activities. Employees and leaders at both plants dedicated 67 minutes to the initiative, reflecting the 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted to public service. Volunteers were nominated by their skill team leads, giving employees across both manufacturing sites an opportunity to take part in a shared act of service.

"Mandela Bear Magic was created by our employees, and that is what makes today so meaningful," says Neale Hill, Ford Motor Company Africa Operations president. "Our teams gave their time, care and creativity to make each bear personal. Their messages of encouragement carry the spirit in which the bears were made, from our plant floors to children and families at NMCH."

The handover forms part of Ford South Africa's broader commitment to the communities in which it operates and builds on its relationship with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund family of institutions. The initiative brings Mandela's legacy of service to life through the direct participation of employees, extending their contribution beyond the factory gate.

"Giving back is most powerful when people take ownership of it,” Hill adds. “Each bear represents an individual act of kindness from an employee at Silverton or Struandale. We are proud of the way our teams embraced the initiative and of the opportunity to stand alongside NMCH in supporting South Africa’s children."