More than 200 people came together at Generation Schools Taroko on Saturday, 18 July, as GAC Motor South Africa partnered with Generation Schools, the Real Madrid Foundation South Africa, B-Active and Pura to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day through a community event centred on being active, family and giving back.

The free Family Fun Football Day welcomed over 200 attendees, including 88 families and 101 children, for a day of sport, entertainment and community engagement. The event reflected the values that Nelson Mandela championed throughout his life by creating an opportunity for families from across Johannesburg to come together while supporting those in need.

Children took part in Real Madrid Foundation South Africa football activities alongside games, inflatable play areas and family entertainment, while every attending family enjoyed complimentary boerewors rolls provided by GAC Motor South Africa and refreshments generously donated by Pura. Every child also received a GAC gift bag to take home.

A key feature of the day was a community donation drive, with families encouraged to bring food, toys, sports equipment, hygiene products and school supplies. The response exceeded expectations, with donations collected throughout the day before being delivered to two deserving organisations. Food, toys and essential items were donated to Little Eden, which cares for children and adults with profound intellectual disabilities, while sports equipment was delivered to Play It Forward Jozi, helping create more opportunities for young people to participate in sport. GAC Motor South Africa assisted in transporting every donation to its final destination.

The GAC Motor South Africa head office team played an active role throughout the event, volunteering their time to assist with activities, distribute meals, engage with families and help ensure the day ran smoothly from start to finish.

“Nelson Mandela taught us that meaningful change begins with service to others,” said Bianca Naude, PR & Communications Manager at Salvador Caetano Group – GAC Motor & JMC Motor South Africa. “For GAC, giving back is not something we do once a year; it is a responsibility we embrace. Seeing hundreds of people come together, enjoying the day while making a tangible difference in the lives of others, perfectly captured the spirit of Mandela Day.”