Mandela Day 2025: Branches give back to local communities

Mandela Day 2025: Branches give back to local communities

At SCP Radiology, Mandela Day is about more than giving 67 minutes โ€” itโ€™s about showing care, building community, and sharing kindness beyond our department walls. This year, our teams once again showed up in full force, serving communities with compassion, creativity, and heart.

In Paarl, the SCP Radiology team visited Rusthof Old Age Home, where they spent the day engaging with elderly residents. The team donated essential toiletries and treats and facilitated gentle physical activities, including stretching, light yoga and dancing, alongside reading sessions and one-on-one conversations.

The visit provided residents with meaningful social interaction and companionship, highlighting the importance of connection and dignity in elderly care.

The Durbanville team partnered with Bless a Baby, a non-profit organisation supporting newborns and mothers in need. During their 67 minutes, staff focused on packing care bags containing essential items for newborns, as well as knitting socks and beanies and collecting additional donations.

Bless a Baby Executive Director Glynne Rosselli expressed appreciation for the support received.

โ€œBy dedicating your 67 minutes to preparing and packing care bags, you gave more than time โ€” you gave hope, dignity and love. Each bag packed will provide comfort and encouragement to a new mother,โ€ Rosselli said.

In Worcester, SCP Radiology staff directed their efforts towards the Thuthuzela Care Centre, a critical facility providing coordinated medical, counselling and legal support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

The team undertook a deep clean of the childrenโ€™s section and introduced colourful and welcoming elements to the space, creating a more child-friendly and supportive environment.

Advocate Cindy Abdol, Head of the Sexual Offences Unit at the Worcester branch of the National Prosecuting Authority, acknowledged the contribution.

โ€œDit is hierdie spasie wat SCP Radiologie meer slagoffer-vriendelik en toeganklik gemaak het,โ€ she said.

The Vredenburg team partnered with local community activist Tertia van der Walt, who supports vulnerable residents through food and clothing initiatives. Staff knitted beanies, purchased blankets, prepared warm soup and participated in the outreach activities on the day.

The initiative provided both practical support and a visible show of care to community members in need.

At Panorama, SCP Radiology staff visited the Bellville Senior Centre and Chrismar Villas, where they distributed care packs to elderly residents. The team also hosted interactive activities, including a game of Bingo, creating opportunities for engagement and social interaction.

The visit was met with enthusiasm, with residents sharing stories and participating in activities that brought energy and warmth to the centres.

Teams from the Louis Leipoldt and Cape Gate branches collaborated on a project at Proteahof Cancer Home. The initiative involved converting a storeroom into a dedicated playroom for children undergoing cancer treatment.

Staff painted murals, added bedding, and supplied toys, stationery and care packs. The refurbished space now provides a safe and welcoming environment for young patients and their families.

In Durbanville, teams from Cape Town MRI, TMC and Willowbridge visited Huis Aristea Old Age Home, where they hosted a high tea for residents. The event included refreshments, board games and extended time spent engaging with residents.

The focus of the visit was on interaction and companionship, rather than only material donations.

The NRT team also supported Proteahof Cancer Home, contributing to improvements on the Childrenโ€™s Floor. Their efforts included upgrading bedrooms with new bedding and adding custom wall art designed to create a more comforting environment for young patients.

For more information about SCP Radiologyโ€™s social responsibility initiatives, click here.