“As long as many of our people still live in utter poverty, as long as children still live under plastic covers, as long as many of our people are still without jobs, no South African should rest and wallow in the joy of freedom.” – Nelson Mandela
Since it was launched on July 18th, 2009, the Mandela Day initiative is more than just a celebration of Madiba’s life and legacy. It is a global movement to honour his life’s work and act to change the world for the better.
Dassault Systèmes has always been in support of Mandela Day and this year, together with Acorn Foundation, we visited the Munsieville informal settlement near Krugersdorp, South Africa. In December 2014, 300 illegal squatters were removed by Mogale City Local Municipality on the West Rand. Around 200 squatters were given new homes, and the remaining squatters went to live in Munsieville.
Even though the residents are happy to finally find a place they can call home, the community is still riddled with poverty and unemployment.
Most of the houses are built with corrugated iron held together with wooden beams and tarpaulin laid out on the ground.
They experience frequent floods which leaves old waste exposed. There is one mobile lavatory given per two households and about six taps with running water. There is no electricity supply. Hospitals refuse residents care and those living at the camp are regularly rejected by potential employers at job interviews.
On July 15 this year, Dassault Systèmes South Africa, together with the Acorn Foundation, set out to build an eco-veggie tunnel, treat the children to a fun-filled day with new winter jackets, some sweets and entertainment, hosted a braai (BBQ) and provided each family with a bucket filled with basic food and toiletries.
The camp has more than 100 children playing around in the dirt and refuse. Children’s laughter filled the air as we entertained them with 
old fashioned games such as an egg run, colour-in competitions and face painting.
We wanted to give back to the community something more sustainable, memorable and most importantly, something that can hopefully overcome scarcity of the most basic need: food. We built an eco-tunnel, which was assembled, soil was prepped and vegetable seedlings planted. It is now up to the community to take ownership of the project and hopefully they can experience the fruits of their labour within the next month.
Our furry four legged friends were not forgotten – we donated pre-packed food for the dogs and cats in the camp. We left the camp feeling humbled and proud to have played a part in changing lives for the better. Mandela Day serves as a constant reminder to practice the spirit of humanity, every day, in every way, that we can.
If you would like to help the Munsieville community or find out more information on their other projects, visit the Acorn Foundation’s website.
Mellischa Rautenbach
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