25th Mandela Container Library Opens in Bergville

In the foothills outside Bergville, a small rural school celebrated a big milestone: the opening of the 25th Mandela Day Container Library, made possible through a partnership between the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and Breadline Africa.

The library’s arrival was linked to the Old Mutual Joberg2C — a nine-day, 900 km mountain bike race that traverses rural South Africa. Funding came from the 46664 Bangles Programme, boosted by the Participate for Good initiative, which empowers athletes and adventurers to raise money for causes while chasing their goals.

Adventurer Sibusiso Vilane and actress Hlubi Mboya were there to inspire learners, handing out copper Mandela Bangles to each child. Inside the converted shipping container, more than 3,000 books from The Rotary Foundation awaited eager hands.

“Many of these children have never held a storybook before,” said Tim Smith, Director of Breadline Africa. “Now they can step into the world of reading — a gift that lasts a lifetime.”