Ithala SOC Limited embarked on the Mandela Day campaign in Umlazi, South of Durban where it invested its resources at Fundakahle School. Mandela Day is celebrated cross-section by all South Africans with corporate investing in the underprivileged in our society. The aim is to call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Mandela's values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities.

The financial institutions led by the Chief Executive, Dr Thulani Vilakazi dedicated their 67 minutes to renovate the Grade R classroom and play area. The classroom’s paint was old and needed to be revived inside and outside the classroom. The classroom was painted and the play area was given a new look by putting tires and added a bit of color just to give the place a bit of life.Ithala’s pledge to help this crèche does not end with 67 minutes of the Mandela day but also pledged to assist buy heater for the little ones since its winter.

According to Dr Vilakazi, “Mandela’s legacy continues to live among young people and as the bank to be able to invest in younger generations as they are moulded at a very young age to become leaders of tomorrow.”

“We have chosen Fundakahle School as it aligns with our vision and values as an organisation that is committed to providing financial education for young children so they learn to be financially savvy. Ngesizulu kuthiwa lugotshwa lusemanzi. We will continue to support facilities such as these as they are a beacon of hope for our nation,” he said.

Speaking during the campaign, Fundakahle School principal, Mrs Nelisiwe Mkhize said, “it was very wonderful job from the team of Ithala and everyone at the school was happy. We need more help from organization such as Ithala because the school was built in 1968.

Ithala has continued to show its commitment to fighting societal inequality from all angles providing solutions to every problem facing our society. Its immense investment in education has been hailed as a step towards achieving equality.

“Our aim is to offer hope to all young people who want to learn and grow in their communities in order to achieve their aspirations,” Dr Vilakazi added.

A pioneer in banking the unbanked in KZN, Ithala SOC Limited is the first financial services institution to provide banking services to townships and rural areas of KZN and provide a range of savings and investments products, insurance services and personal and home loan products to communities throughout the province.

With a distribution network of 38 branches in across the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Ithala provides convenient transacting facilities.