Mintek Commemorates Mandela Day with Vibrant Activities at Vuleka Assisted Learning Centre
Mintek, South Africa’s minerals and metallurgical research organisation, marked Mandela Day 2025 with purpose, paintbrushes, and plenty of heart at Vuleka Assisted Learning Centre, a school dedicated to supporting primary learners with special education needs.
Each year, Mandela Day encourages individuals and organisations alike to devote 67 minutes to community service and making a positive impact. In the spirit of Madiba’s enduring legacy, over 30 Mintekkers rolled up their sleeves to transform the school’s spaces into a brighter, more inspiring environment for both learners and teachers.
From transforming the classrooms with bright splashes of colour, to enhancing the school’s play area and getting the learners involved in painting a new sensory wall, and sprucing up the gardens with fresh flowers, the day served as a reminder that showing up with purpose, compassion and acts of kindness can create big waves of hope.
As part of the initiative, Mintek also donated a new batch of robotics kits to the school, following up on a previous donation made in 2024. The kits form part of Mintek’s commitment to promoting Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) education at the foundation level. The school had reached out for additional resources to support the learners’ growing interest in robotics, and Mintek gladly responded.
Mintek CEO, Dr Molefi Motuku, who was at the forefront of the action, reflected on the rewarding experience of giving back:
“Supporting education at the foundation level is a national imperative, and institutions like Vuleka play a vital role in nurturing young minds who think differently but have just as much potential. Our commitment to education is not limited to what we do in labs – it’s also about showing up, being present, and making sure children see that scientists, engineers, accountants, and other professionals believe in them. That visibility matters, and it’s part of how we build a more inclusive future.”
Vuleka Principal Peter Mmirwa praised Mintek for its commitment to giving back.
“They normally say blessed is the hand that gives than the one that receives, so we believe that you guys are going to be more blessed because of this act of kindness. We are grateful to the partnership we have formed with Mintek. Everyone, our learners, parents and teachers, is equally grateful. Thank you, Mintek, for choosing to spend your 67 minutes at our school.”
For Mintek, the day was not just about the transformation of the school grounds, but the beautiful exchange of humanity: giving back with love and intention – and helping to plant the seeds of curiosity and confidence in the next generation.