Space Age Technologies partners to warm little feet on Mandela Day

Nora Tyres creche pupils show off their new boots beanies scarves.

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For this year's Mandela Day, Space Age Technologies put the challenge to several partners and suppliers within the IT industry to see how many little children's feet it could keep warm this winter.

The staff of Network Configurations (Durban) and the Cape Town offices of AxizWorkgroup and NetApp took up the challenge. Thanks to the generosity of these people, over R36 000 was pledged, with the ultimate winner of the challenge being Network Configurations, which collected over R18 000, and Space Age Technologies as runner-up, with R12 500. Considering that this was donated by individuals from these small businesses or branches, this is a substantial figure.

"I am very proud of everyone who contributed to this worthy cause. It is humbling to know that, despite the tough economic climate, so many people embraced the opportunity to do some good," said Stefan Rabe, Regional General Manager of AxizWorkgroup.

The money collected by the Cape Town participants was pooled together and used to purchase boots, beanies and scarves for the almost 200 children at the Nora Tyres cr`eche, in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch (click to see these children).

Lizaan Louw, HR Director at Space Age, who handed out the goodies, said: "It was extremely gratifying to see the appreciation from these children for something so small, and we are very grateful to our employees and all the other companies that took up the challenge. I am very proud to be associated with a company that makes 'giving back' part of its culture."

In Durban, Network Configurations donated shoes to almost 200 disadvantaged learners at the uKukhanye Kwelanga School, in Chesterville. The Madiba "dust" that was sprinkled on barefoot scholars was a delight to observe, as the children, squealing with delight, tore the birthday wrapping off the boxes and donned their shiny new shoes.

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"It was simply a matter of accepting a challenge from Space Age Technologies that led to our participation," said MD Iain Emerson. He applauded his staff who took up the challenge with gusto and in only one month collected more than R18 000. Cake sales, boerewors rolls and other fundraising campaigns raised the money.

"We'll do it again next year and make it an annual event," said Emerson.

To ensure nobody was left out, those children who were not as underprivileged as their peers received "goodie" bags filled with sweets.

With the seemingly endless poverty in South Africa and the difficulties the children in these impoverished communities have to endure, a few shoes may seem like a drop in the ocean. But it is something - a brick in the foundation of our country's future - and one brick at a time, we can make a difference. That is, after all, the spirit of what Mandela Day is all about: "It is a call to action for people everywhere to take responsibility for changing the world into a better place, one small step at a time, just as Mr Mandela did."

Thank you to the generous staff at Space Age Technologies, Network Configurations, AxizWorkgroup (Cape), NetApp (Cape) and several other individuals. Today you made a difference in the life of a child - helping to create a better, brighter future for our country.