PG Bison Cares: Honouring Mandela Through Meaningful Partnership
We wrapped up Mandela Month yesterday, which reminded us how, as South Africans, that all acts of kindness can create lasting change. This year’s theme, “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality,” resonates deeply with us at PG Bison. We embody a culture of care, and we believe that advancing Mandela’s legacy means empowering our stakeholders to do the same.
One of the core lessons we draw from Madiba’s life is that true impact lies in collaboration. That’s why we are proud to announce our partnership with the Make a Difference Leadership Foundation (MAD Leadership Foundation) founded by Francois Pienaar and inspired by Mandela himself. This partnership is aimed at meaningful community upliftment through scholarship and leadership development.
The power of education
Nelson Mandela believed education has the power to unlock the potential of every young South African. MADLF exists to do just that, equipping future leaders through a comprehensive support programme. Our long-term financial contribution will go towards academic funding, personal development, wellness programmes, leadership training, career guidance, mentorship, and graduate support across all nine provinces.
To learn more about MADLF, visit: https://madleadership.org
Real Impact in Real Communities
Every year on Mandela Day, our team rolls up their sleeves to get hands-on in the communities we serve. We use our expertise and resources to build safe, functional spaces that promote dignified learning and living spaces. Whether it’s time, skills, or materials, showing up for others is part of what makes us proudly South African.
Supporting Those Who Support Others
In Cape Town, our team partnered with The Callas Foundation, preparing meals for 200–300 people. This organisation supports women, children, and men through community outreach, psychosocial services, and advocacy, dismantling systemic inequality with a focus on women.
The Callas Foundation also operates a community kitchen programme that provides meals to 700 people, four times a week. When approached by Davidson’s Boards in Brackenfell, PG Bison stepped in, sponsoring products from the MelaWood and Formica LifeSeal Worktops range to upgrade the kitchen facilities.
Our support also extended to St. Anne’s Homes, a long-standing refuge for women and children in crisis. When partners LATREUO Kitchens and Washirika Oaks approached us to collaborate with them in making the shelter more homely, we sponsored products from our MelaWood and Formica LifeSeal Worktops range which were incorporated to create a space that restores both dignity and stability.
Giving Every Child a Head Start Through Care and Compassion
This year, the PG Bison team from our Boksburg factory donated upgraded boards, heaters and foam mattresses to the VIVA Day Care Centre in Etwatwa, Daveyton.
Originally established to assist orphaned and vulnerable children affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic, this non-profit organisation has since expanded its mission. Today, it runs comprehensive early childhood development programmes designed to empower young children, coupled with daily nutritional meals for around 60 beneficiaries. This ensures each child receives the best possible start in life.
Operating for years with limited resources, VIVA has remained deeply committed to serving its community. PG Bison identified an opportunity to honour their incredible work and contribute to the ongoing impact of this vital centre.
Living Madiba’s Legacy Through Everyday Action
From our new partnership with MADLF to our outreach to women, children, and youth, every contribution matters. Our 2025 Mandela Day initiatives demonstrate how businesses can align their capabilities with community needs. Small actions, when done together, can leave a lasting impact.
Madiba’s legacy of compassion, service, and unity continues to inspire our commitment to local partnerships. Together, we are building stronger, more resilient communities.
