Automaker donates fleet of 19 vehicles to support child welfare, safety, and community upliftment as the Fund celebrates its 30th anniversary.
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – 01 August 2025 – Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Manufacturing) (Pty) Limited has announced a landmark collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF), providing a fleet of 19 vehicles to bolster the Fund’s outreach and development programmes across South Africa. The initiative coincides with the Fund’s 30th anniversary and Mandela Month, commemorating three decades of transformative impact on the lives of children, youth, and families across the region.
The diverse fleet — comprising Ford Transits, Tourneos, and locally assembled Rangers — has been carefully curated and modified to meet the Fund’s diverse operational needs, from mobile healthcare delivery to rural community support and income-generating initiatives.
“As a brand that recently celebrated its own centenary, Ford understands the importance of giving back and forging enduring partnerships that drive meaningful progress in society,” said Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company, Africa. “We’re proud to contribute to Madiba’s legacy in a practical and empowering way.”
Purpose-Driven Mobility
Ford’s vehicle donation — which includes four Transits, 13 Tourneos and two Rangers — will be provided for a period of three years, with ownership of the vehicles transferred to the Fund at the end of the term for units still in active use. The vehicles have been equipped through Ford’s Ford Pro™ Convertor programme, which enables factory-approved customisation while retaining the original warranty. This ensures the highest standards of durability, safety, and functionality tailored to the Fund’s programme-specific goals.
“We are excited about the collaboration with Ford,” said Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. “These vehicles will enable us to reach remote parts of the country where the most vulnerable children live. Partnerships like these are essential for delivering tangible impact.”
Supporting Key Programme Pillars
Each vehicle has been allocated according to specific focus areas within the Fund’s strategic programme framework:
Child Survival, Development and Thriving
A cornerstone of the Fund’s mission is reducing mortality in children under five by delivering healthcare access to underserved communities. A converted Ford Transit mobile clinic now plays a central role in this effort, outfitted with:
- An examination room
- Toilet and visitor seating
- Solar-powered systems
- Full electrical infrastructure
- Accessibility features
The initiative is further supported by one Ranger Double Cab and three Tourneos, facilitating outreach and logistics. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital will also benefit from a dedicated Tourneo for operational support.
Child Safety and Protection
With child abuse and community violence on the rise, this programme focuses on preventative education and interventions. Ford has provided:
- Three Tourneos for field team transport
- A Transit mobile workshop, featuring retractable storage, integrated power supply, and event infrastructure to support school roadshows and awareness campaigns.
Sustainable Livelihoods Programme
Designed to reduce poverty and bolster household resilience, this programme includes support for agricultural entrepreneurship and youth-led enterprise. A Transit panel van, modified for egg distribution, includes:
- Custom shelving
- Secure egg dividers
- Shock-absorbing padding
- Non-slip flooring and ventilation
An additional five Tourneos will help facilitate mobilisation and project implementation across rural communities.
Operational Support
To ensure seamless execution across all programmes, a final allocation of one Transit, two Tourneos, and one Ranger will assist with stakeholder coordination, logistics, and core organisational support.
Driving a Legacy Forward
This latest partnership underscores Ford’s commitment to its global mission: “To help build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.” By enabling the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund to expand its reach, this initiative directly strengthens local capabilities and connects vulnerable communities with critical services.
“By enabling mobility for those doing critical work on the ground, Ford is translating purpose into progress,” added Hill. “This is about connecting the right resources to the right people at the right time.”
As South Africa reflects on Madiba’s enduring legacy, this partnership serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when the private sector and civil society come together with shared purpose.
“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it,” Mandela once said. Through this alliance, Ford and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund are doing exactly that — one vehicle, one child, one community at a time.
