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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider South African Embassy celebrates Mandela Day 2025

South African Embassy celebrates Mandela Day 2025

Published Aug 25, 2025 08:23 am
Ambassador BN Radebe-Netshitenzhe shares her inspiring message during the Mandela Day celebration at Nayon Ng Kabataan
Ambassador BN Radebe-Netshitenzhe shares her inspiring message during the Mandela Day celebration at Nayon Ng Kabataan
In a heartfelt tribute to Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy, the South African Embassy in the Philippines hosted a vibrant Mandela Day celebration on July 22, 2025, at Nayon Ng Kabataan — a shelter under the Department of Social Welfare and Development that cares for neglected, abused, abandoned, and orphaned children aged 7 to 17.
The event welcomed nearly 150 children for an afternoon brimming with joy, generosity, and unity. Thanks to the support of generous sponsors and diplomatic partners, the embassy created a festive atmosphere filled with burgers, street food, ice cream, and lively games that sparked laughter and connection.
Supportive partners of the Mandela Project (from left): Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Germinia Aguilar-Usudan; Ambassador Chanaka Harsha Talpahewa of the Embassy of Sri Lanka; Ambassador B.N. Radebe-Netshitenzhe of the Embassy of South Africa; Ambassador Mounir Y.K. Anastas of the Embassy of Palestine; Ambassador Agus Widjojo of the Embassy of Indonesia; VFS Global Operations Manager Mhd. Omran Alhalabi; and Estevão Alberto, minister counselor of the Embassy of Angola.
Supportive partners of the Mandela Project (from left): Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Germinia Aguilar-Usudan; Ambassador Chanaka Harsha Talpahewa of the Embassy of Sri Lanka; Ambassador B.N. Radebe-Netshitenzhe of the Embassy of South Africa; Ambassador Mounir Y.K. Anastas of the Embassy of Palestine; Ambassador Agus Widjojo of the Embassy of Indonesia; VFS Global Operations Manager Mhd. Omran Alhalabi; and Estevão Alberto, minister counselor of the Embassy of Angola.
Each child received a thoughtful gift package containing colorful T-shirts, bags, slippers, hygiene kits, and essential school supplies — all designed to support their well-being and educational journey. To further enhance living conditions, the embassy donated new mattresses, bunk bed frames, and air conditioning units for the cottages. Two freezer chests stocked with meat products and yogurts were also delivered for nourishment and care.
“This celebration is more than a tribute to Nelson Mandela’s legacy — it is a reflection of our shared humanity and our commitment to uplifting the lives of vulnerable children,” said a representative from the South African Embassy.
Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe handing donation to one of the beneficiaries of Nayon ng Kabataan
Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe handing donation to one of the beneficiaries of Nayon ng Kabataan
The Embassy expressed its deepest gratitude to the sponsors and partners whose generosity made the event possible, including: Apex Mining, Apostolic Nunciature (Diplomatic Dean in the Philippines), Aspen Philippines, Cebu Fortune Travel, Dakila Prime Travel and Tours Corporation, Department of Foreign Affairs, Dewfoam Corporation, Embassy of the Republic of Angola, Embassy of Brazil, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Embassy of the State of Palestine, Embassy of the State of Qatar, Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Federated Distributors Inc., Fly Ace Corporation, GoTyme Bank, ICTSI Foundation, Malabon Long Life Trading Corporation, Meat Importers and Traders Association, Real Steel Corporation, SM Retail Inc., Liwayway Marketing Corporation, RCBC Realty Corporation, Philippine Wine Merchants, Trends TravelMart International Corporation, UNDP Philippines, UNFPA, and VFS Global Philippines.
Together, this collective effort honored Mandela’s call to action — to make the world a better place through service, kindness, and solidarity.
Ambassador B.N. Radebe-Netshitenzhe with Jesus Cham, president emeritus of the Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA), and Carmela Layco of the MITA Secretariat. MITA donated meat products, yogurt and chest freezers to Nayon ng Kabataan.
Ambassador B.N. Radebe-Netshitenzhe with Jesus Cham, president emeritus of the Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA), and Carmela Layco of the MITA Secretariat. MITA donated meat products, yogurt and chest freezers to Nayon ng Kabataan.
Ambassador BN Radebe-Netshitenzhe and Nayon ng Kabataan’s head Helen Pereyra with Apex Mining President Louie Sarmiento who donated the fire extinguishers for the kids cottages
Ambassador BN Radebe-Netshitenzhe and Nayon ng Kabataan’s head Helen Pereyra with Apex Mining President Louie Sarmiento who donated the fire extinguishers for the kids cottages
Ambassador BN Radebe-Netshitenzhe with the officials from GoTyme Bank (one of the Mandela Day partners) and beneficiaries of Nayon ng Kabataan
Ambassador BN Radebe-Netshitenzhe with the officials from GoTyme Bank (one of the Mandela Day partners) and beneficiaries of Nayon ng Kabataan
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