This Mandela Day, The Merchants of Light organised a community food parcel distribution in Pimville, Soweto, aimed at supporting families facing food insecurity. The event reflected the spirit of Mandela Day, a time to reflect on service, giving, and building stronger communities.
gsport was honoured to support the initiative alongside #gsport20 awards partner Red Cherry Interactive. gsport founder Kass Naidoo, along with gsport Awards judge Mapaseka Makhanya, two-time host Kea Bapela, and gsport team member Dibuseng Modise, joined volunteers in packing and distributing food parcels.
Reflecting on the day, Mapaseka Makhanya said: “Doing something for a great cause is healing and uplifting. It made me realise that I need to give more of my time to the youth.”
Kea Bapela shared: “Mandela Day is always a great day to reflect on our privilege and how far we have come as a country.”
“With all the progress, there is still such a big gap in equality that basic essentials are not accessible to all.”
Two-Times gsport Awards Host, Kea Bapela
“Lending a hand on a day like this goes such a long way — seeing the smiles on the faces of the elders and the young people who benefit greatly from this day is sometimes all one needs to realise how much more help is still needed out there. Thanks to gsport for extending an invite.”
Dibuseng Modise said: “It was beautiful to witness different people from different organisations in different industries come together for a common cause, which was to give back to the community.”
“I am particularly proud to be part of the gsport4girls team that visited the Pimville Community Hall in Soweto today because nothing beats contributing to a meaningful activity that benefits others. Not only did I have fun, I was also inspired to make every day a Mandela Day.”
gsport4girls Team Member, Dibuseng Modise
Reflecting on gsport’s involvement, Kass Naidoo said: “At gsport, we believe every day is Mandela Day, and we work daily to change the game for women’s sport.”
“Today was special because it gave us a chance to spend time with families and the broader community — reminding us how even small acts can help fight poverty.”
gsport Founder, Kass Naidoo
“Well done to The Merchants of Light team for hosting this important event, and thank you to Red Cherry Interactive for giving us the opportunity to contribute and lend a helping hand.”
The Merchants of Light Mandela Day activation demonstrated the power of community-led efforts in building resilience and providing essential support to those in need, embodying the spirit of Mandela Day and the ongoing work toward social equity.
Main Photo Caption: gsport supported Red Cherry Interactive this Mandela Day as the Merchants of Light organised a community food parcel distribution aimed at supporting families facing food insecurity in Pimville, Soweto in Gauteng, South Africa. Photo: Kea Bapela
Photo 2 Caption: Dibuseng Modise: “It was beautiful to witness people from different industries come together for a common cause.”
Photo 3 Caption: Kass Naidoo said: “At gsport, we believe every day is Mandela Day, and we work daily to change the game for women’s sport.”
