“You can’t expect a product from a dirty school to feed into a world-class school. We had to contribute to the betterment of the school in order to get good on the other side.” – Executive Chairperson, Norah Fakude
Every year on 18 July, South Africa pauses a bit to honor the life and the legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. A man whose commitment to justice and equality inspired generations. Mandela Day challenges us all to dedicate 67 minutes of our time to doing something positive for our communities. Like he spent every minute fighting for our freedom.
At Buscor, giving back isn’t something we do once a year; it’s part of who we are. But for Mandela Day it is a chance to come together as a team and make an even greater impact. This year our Mandela Day activities took us to the heart of Driekoppies, where we visited two special schools: Joseph Matsebula High School and Bukhosibetfu Inclusive School.
From fulfilling the request of fixing their fence to painting playgrounds, singing with choirs, and dancing, the day was packed with purpose and fun.
This is the story of how Buscor turned 67 minutes into memories and lasting change. Mandela Day community service in Driekoppies
Joseph Matsebula High School: A Legacy of Hope and Partnership
Long before the school became the pillar of Driekoppies, Joseph Matsebula High School was known as Shongwe Secondary School. Like many other rural schools, it faced challenges from lack of resources to infrastructure that didn’t meet the growing needs of the community. This made the community so worried regarding their kids’s future!
But who would have known that their prayers were already answered when Buscor in 2002 decided to step in and help in writing a new chapter for the school? Through donations and support, Shongwe was transformed into a better-resourced institution, one that could give learners the opportunity they deserved.
On the 29th of November 2002, this transformation was crowned with a historic moment: Nelson Mandela himself officially opened the newly improved school. “Imagine having the privilege of shaking a hand with the prominent figure who is known worldwide,” Mrs. Masilela said. Their lives were changed, and this day still lives in the heart of the Driekoppies community.
In honoring and giving thanks to the Matsebula and Buscor families, the school was renamed Joseph Matsebula High School. “There is a huge relationship for me, the school, and my family,” said Managing Director Oupa Matsebula, reflecting on the special bond between Buscor and the school.
67 Minutes of Action: Fixing, Singing & Celebrating
After all, what’s Mandela Day without a little celebration and dancing? You could have seen how the choir was so excited, singing their soulful song “Buscor wethu siyohlala sikuthanda.” That was a way of saying thank you, Buscor, for hearing us and keeping your promises as we have asked. While Buscor didn’t personally lift tools or dig trenches, he made sure the construction team was commissioned to repair and upgrade the school’s perimeter fence. Didn’t end there but made sure the old school boards were replaced with new one’s
Then came the traditional dance performance. The young dancers stomped and twirled with such energy that even Buscor employees could not resist joining in
Finally, Ms. Alicia stepped forward to recite her poem about education, gratitude, and hope. Her words, though simple, carried a power that silenced the crowd for a moment before they clapped their hands.
Principal Mrs. Masilela summed up the mood beautifully:
“Sibonga kakhulu kuBuscor, sicela kutsi lobuhlobo betfu naBuscor kungapheli.”
(We are deeply thankful to Buscor and wish that this bond we share will never end.)
Bukhosibetfu Inclusive School: Painting the World Bright
Mandela Day community service in Driekoppies. While half the team worked on the school signs or board, the other half embraced their inner artists at Bukhosibetfu Inclusive School, where the mission was clear: bring color and life to the playground and fields for the Grade R learners.
Armed with rollers, brushes, and buckets of paint in every color of the rainbow, the Buscor team got to work. Soon, the dusty grey concrete was transformed into a vibrant space filled with colorful swings, chairs, and a playground.
But the real magic came from the laughter. Remember, the buscor team is never used in painting or anything like that, but what they know is steering the wheels and getting you home safely
As the playground came to life, so did the spirits of everyone involved.
Principal Mathonsi was visibly moved as she watched the team transform the space:
“Sijabule kakhulu, nemphakatsi kanye nebantfwana kutsi Buscor atosentela ngalendlela enta ngayo.”
(We are very happy, as is the community and the children, for what Buscor has done for us in this way.)
And Executive Chairperson Norah Matsebula reminded us why this work mattered:
“Bukhosibetfu is a feeder to Joseph High School. You can’t expect a product from a dirty school to feed into a world-class school. We had to contribute to the betterment of the school to get good on the other side.”
67 Minutes That Touched Hearts and Strengthened Communities
As the sun began to set over Driekoppies, there was a warm glow in the air not just from the horizon but from the smiles of the Buscor team. What started as a commitment to give 67 minutes became so much more. It became a day of connection, laughter, and leaving a lasting mark on two incredible schools.
Mandela Day wasn’t about ticking a box or doing something symbolic. For Buscor, it was about honoring Madiba’s call to action by stepping into the heart of the community and making a difference.
The team left Driekoppies filled with gratitude for the opportunity to spend the day at Joseph Matsebula High School and Bukhosibetfu Inclusive School.
ng>. From being entertained by the school choir to watching the learners dance, every moment reminded us of the power of partnership and the importance of investing in our youth.
We left knowing:
Every fence handed over means learners are safer.
Every playground painted means more smiles and laughter.
Every relationship nurtured means stronger communities for generations to come.
And as the buses pulled away, one thing was clear: this Mandela Day was not just 67 minutes. It was the beginning of even more meaningful moments to come.
Looking Ahead: Turning Minutes into a Movement Mandela Day community service in Driekoppies
This Mandela Day wasn’t just about fences and playgrounds. It was about hearts. About relationships. About being part of something bigger than us.
At Buscor, we don’t just move people and goods; we help move communities forward. And while Mandela Day is only 67 minutes, our commitment to service lasts all year.
We left Driekoppies not just with painted hands and sore muscles, but with the joy of knowing we made a difference.
