A Legacy On Wheels: First Ford Bearing Mandela’s Signature Donated To Children’s Fund

 

A one-of-a-kind Ford Ranger Wildtrak X, the first Ford vehicle and the first bakkie globally to carry Nelson Mandela’s signature has been donated to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.  

Built by Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, the unique bakkie will be used to raise funds to support the Fund’s programmes focused on child safety, protection and community-based support systems across South Africa.

“The symbolism that comes with Madiba’s official signature speaks directly to the spirit of the partnership between Ford and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. As a company we believe in generational impact; and like both the Fund and Madiba himself we share values of sustained effort to ensure sustainable impact. What a privilege it is for us to carry this signature on one of our vehicles and an even greater privilege that we can play a part in driving South Africa forward,” said Neale Hill, President, Ford Motor Company, Africa.

A tribute to Madiba’s legacy

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X, built at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, carries special significance as a tribute to Madiba’s enduring legacy. Featuring Nelson Mandela’s signature stitched on the interior, the vehicle symbolises both the spirit of giving and the importance of investing in the wellbeing and future of South Africa’s children. This one-of-a-kind Ranger offers a rare opportunity for a future owner to cherish a unique piece of history, while the proceeds from its sale will directly empower the Fund’s vital community programmes.

“This is about honouring Madiba’s legacy by investing in the wellbeing of children. For more than a century Ford has been part of South Africa’s story. We deeply believe businesses like ours have a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the communities they serve. Donating this Ranger, the first Ford vehicle and the first bakkie in the world to carry Nelson Mandela’s signature, symbolises our commitment to shared prosperity and to protecting and empowering the next generation of South Africans,” said Hill.

Manufactured locally for local success

Ford has been part of South Africa’s automotive landscape for more than a century, investing in local manufacturing and industrialisation, building quality vehicles in the country and contributing to the development of the national automotive industry and broader economy through a rigorous export programme that contributes significantly to the country’s balance of payments. The Silverton Manufacturing Plant in Pretoria, where this one-of-a-kind Ford Ranger was produced, supplies local and global markets.

In recent years, the company provided 19 vehicles to support the Fund’s work across the country, enabling programme teams to reach communities, connect with families and deliver essential services where they are needed most.

“Thirty years after Madiba founded the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, our mission remains as urgent as ever,” said Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. “Partnerships like the one we share with Ford demonstrate how the private sector can play a meaningful role in protecting children and strengthening communities. This remarkable, unique vehicle will help ensure that more children across South Africa are safe, supported and given the opportunity to thrive.”

Driving impact for South Africa’s children

Ford’s involvement reflected the company’s global purpose: to help build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. Central to this purpose is the belief that investing in children today creates lasting benefits for communities and economies tomorrow.