NGI Witbank Shares a Warm Cup of Hope this This Mandela Day
Witbank, 18 July 2025, to commemorate Nelson Mandela Day 25, NewBridge Graduate Institute’s (NGI) Witbank campus organised a special pop-up soup kitchen, right outside the campus. NGI students and staff came together to give of their time serving soup and bread to hungry passersby. With stoves fired up, warm meals served, and a strong sense of unity, the volunteers welcomed their Witbank community with a warm smile and a hot cup of soup.
Honouring Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service and sacrifice, the NGI Witbank team poured their hearts into preparing large portions of piping hot soup, served with freshly buttered bread in convenient takeaway cups. From construction workers to hungry individuals passing by and even curious truck drivers who pulled over with cheerful honks, the turnout was nothing short of inspiring.
“We were all reminded of the power of small gestures by the happy expressions on people’s faces when they received something as small as a cup of hot soup,” remarked Linda De Vos, Principal of NGI Witbank Campus. “We at NGI are committed to developing hearts as well as intellect. Mandela Day is a wonderful reminder, that we are stronger together and make a big difference in the smallest way. This project was about more than a meal; it was about dignity, respect, and letting people know they are appreciated”.
The team spirit of the NGI students and staff could be felt throughout the town, with many laughs shared with visitors to the pop-up soup kitchen, amplified by the cheers and hooting of cars and trucks in support. The NGI Pop- up initiative was proud to serve over 100 hungry individuals with a hot meal with a smile.
“People came together for a greater purpose, it felt like a family, because we were all happily serving one another” said Ntsikelelo Letela Mkalipi, Systems and Network Support student at NGI and Member of the SRC.
Through a collaborated effort, and shared passion for uplifting the community, NGI Witbank’s Mandela Day campaign created a noticeable impact and motivated all those engaged to do more.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela