Jul 31, 2020 Ford Motor Company, FMCSA, Madiba, Ford Ranger,
Ford honours Madiba legacy with unique ranger
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born into the Madiba clan in Mvezo, Transkei, on 18 July 1918. In celebration of his esteemed legacy the world celebrates Mandela Day on the 18th of July each year, and Mandela Month throughout the month of July.
This year, the manufacturing team at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has honoured Madiba with a very unique tribute, transforming a Ford Ranger into a one-of-a-kind piece of mobile art for donation to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The Nelson Mandela Foundation was established in 1999 when its Founder, Mr Nelson Mandela, stepped down as the President of South Africa. Soon after Mr Mbeki was inaugurated as President on 16 June 1999, Mr Mandela was on the telephone to rally his staff for the new tasks ahead. They had to remind him they no longer worked for him, and so the Nelson Mandela Foundation was born - with a new team established as Mr Mandela’s post-presidential office.
“At Ford we are very proud of our South African heritage,” said Neale Hill, Managing Director of FMCSA. “The company has an exceptionally proud legacy in the country spanning more than 96 years – one built on continued investment and innovation to produce segment-defining products, empower communities through creating job opportunities, and striving to improve the world around us for a brighter future. No one did more in pursuit of the South African dream than Madiba himself, it is thus a privilege to be able to hand over this one-of-a-kind Ranger to the worthy Nelson Mandela Foundation.”
The unique creation is adorned with a South African flag on the roof and portrait of Mandela meticulously painted on the bonnet, while the side panels and rear tailgate of the vehicle pay further tribute to the Nelson Mandela Foundation and celebrate 18 July as Mandela Day. The unique designs were done completely by hand by four talented artists that work at the Silverton Assembly Plant’s paint shop in Pretoria.
“For all of us at the paint shop this was a very exciting and humbling opportunity, that gave our artists an opportunity to showcase their skills”, explained Manufacturing Engineering Manager Dorah Mmekwa, who led the project. “At first the team were quite nervous. Mandela’s image is so iconic, the team were eager to do him and the Foundation justice. Once they got started it was clear there was no need to be anxious. The vehicle looks superb and we are all extremely proud to have been a part of its creation.”
This is not Ford’s first foray into creating art Rangers. Last year the employees at the Silverton Assembly Plant created Stimela in celebration of Heritage month. “Stimela was a tribute to Ford’s proud 96-year manufacturing history locally, as well as a fitting representation of our nation’s rich heritage and diversity,” said Ockert Berry VP of Manufacturing at FMCSA.
“Just like Stimela, Mandla - as the latest Ranger is now known - is a fully functional vehicle, right off the same assembly line as all the other South African-built Ranger, Ranger Raptor and Everest models built in South Africa,” Berry added. Mandla is not destined to be an exhibition piece though, the Nelson Mandela Foundation will be putting the Ranger through its paces in their work with various projects particularly in the areas of education and community upliftment.
“We are honoured to accept this generous donation from the Ford team,” said Yase Godlo of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. “The last few weeks we have been engaging regularly with the team on the project. Ford’s passion and commitment to making the vehicle a unique and fitting tribute to Nelson Mandela has been admirable.
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