Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Manufacturing) (Pty) Limited (“Ford South Africa”) has entered into a partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (The Fund), with Ford supplying a fleet of 19 vehicles to bolster the Fund’s outreach initiatives and community-driven programmes across the country.
The handover, which also commemorates Mandela Month, marks a milestone moment as the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund celebrates its 30th anniversary – three decades of championing children’s rights and transforming lives throughout South Africa and the region.
“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. We believe that real impact is achieved when strong partnerships are rooted in shared purpose,” said Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company, Africa.
“This collaboration is about enabling the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund to deepen its reach, strengthen its services, and continue making a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families. We’re proud to contribute to Madiba’s legacy in a practical and empowering way,” adds Hill.
“We are excited about the collaboration with Ford. The vehicles will enable us to reach the remote parts of the country where the most vulnerable children are likely to be found. It is collaborations like these with the private sectors that will enable us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and the families from which they come,” says Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
The fleet of 19 vehicles, comprising four Ford Transits, 13 Tourneos, and two locally assembled Rangers will be provided to the Fund for a period of three years, with full ownership transferred as a donation at the end of this term for vehicles still required by the Fund. Each vehicle has been carefully allocated and, where required, tailored to support the Fund’s operational needs, including fieldwork, mobile services, and community outreach.
Select vehicles will undergo specialised modifications through Ford South Africa’s newly launched Ford Pro™ Convertor programme. This initiative enables Ford-approved conversions that meet the highest standards of safety and durability while preserving the original factory warranty. These custom-built solutions are designed to help the Fund deliver services more effectively and reach communities with greater ease and impact.
Vehicle support will be provided through various programmes, with vehicles allocated based on the project’s specific focus areas and mobility requirements.
Child Survival, Development and Thriving
Through this programme, the NMCF addresses a high number of mortality rates for children under the age of five by delivering essential health services to vulnerable communities. A Transit has been converted into a fully equipped mobile clinic featuring visitor seating, an examination room, a toilet, solar-powered systems, electrical infrastructure and accessibility features.
Additional support includes a Ford Ranger Double Cab and three Tourneo units to assist with outreach and transport. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, which was established to close the gap in paediatric healthcare in Gauteng, will also benefit from a dedicated Tourneo for operational support.
Child Safety and Protection
In response to rising incidents of child abuse and violence, this programme drives proactive outreach, education and protection campaigns in schools and communities. It will be supported by three Tourneos for team mobility and a Transit converted into a mobile workshop. The workshop features retractable storage, a power supply for roadshow equipment, and infrastructure to support violence prevention initiatives on the ground.
Sustainable Livelihoods Programme
This programme aims to reduce poverty and improve household stability by supporting income-generating initiatives. A Transit panel van has been converted for egg distribution, featuring shelving, non-slip surfaces, secure egg dividers, shock-absorbing padding and ventilation. It will serve youth-led agricultural and enterprise projects focused on food security and income creation. Five Tourneo units will also support this programme and will further aid in community mobilisation and broader project implementation.
Operational Support
The Fund’s core operations will be strengthened through the use of a Transit, two Tourneos and a Ford Ranger to ensure logistical flexibility, support stakeholder engagement, and facilitate coordination across programme areas.
This long-term collaboration exemplifies Ford’s global purpose, “To help build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams,” says Hill. “By enabling mobility for those doing critical work on the ground, Ford is translating purpose into progress, connecting communities with essential services and creating opportunities for a better future.”
As Madiba so wisely said, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” This alliance between Ford and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund is a tribute to that call, advancing social impact through shared vision, local empowerment, and the drive to uplift every child’s future.
Roadspike
Polo Leteka always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but couldn\’t quite decide on which direction to go in. She spent several years in the private and public sectors, and during her tenure in Government she knew she wanted to have a greater impact on helping South Africans follow their dreams by becoming entrepreneurs. She launched Capital Partners, an SME enterprise advisory and fund managing service firm. She brought two partners into the business to expand the services they could offer. Leteka went on to become one of the \”dragons\’ on the South African edition of Dragons\’ Den, investing in start-up businesses.