Cape Town Unites for Mandela Day - Salesian Institute Youth Projects Leads with Impact and Heart

Cape Town, South Africa – The Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP) proudly celebrates the overwhelming success of its Mandela Day 2025 campaign, made possible by the remarkable generosity of donors, businesses, volunteers, and community groups across Cape Town.

Thanks to these efforts, SIYP and its partners were able to:

• Distributed over 2,100 litres of soup to 9 community kitchens across the city
• Served over 5,800 sandwiches
• Donated over 100 Loaves of bread
• Managed 5 Pop-Up Soup Kitchens across the city
• Supplied 40 x 6kg bags of vegetables to various shelters

“Mandela Day is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together,” said Fr Francois Dufour, CEO and Rector at SIYP. “With the support of local businesses and the public, we turned compassion into action — and fed thousands in honour of Madiba’s legacy.”

This massive community effort was powered by contributions from outstanding supporters such as: Jenny Morris, Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, Blue Ribbon, Nulaid, County Fair, Forever Young Seniors Club, Seacam Media, BeWell, and Simply Asia.

And to mention just a few more of the key organisations that took part: Cape of Good Hope Lions Club, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue, Department of Social Development, Waterfront Rotary Club, Western Cape Education Department (WCED), City Sightseeing, Rosebank College, Netcare, Pick & Pay, MLT Corporation, and CIEE.

Together, they helped turn a day of remembrance into a day of action and hope — delivering real impact to Cape Town’s most vulnerable communities.

As a leading skills training and youth empowerment centre, SIYP remains committed to transforming lives through education, support, and meaningful partnerships. Mandela Day continues to be a cornerstone of this mission.

“We are beyond grateful to every person, business, and partner who showed up, gave generously, and helped us carry out this mission,” Fr Francois added. “Together, we proved that 67 minutes of service can have a lasting impact.”

For more information or to get involved, visit: www.salesianyouth.org

Media Contact: Frieda Pehlivan Communications, Salesian Institute Youth Projects 021-4251450