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The KRISP team marked Mandela Day 2026 by volunteering at the CANSA Care Centre in Durban, restoring its vegetable garden to provide fresh produce for patients and residents.

At KRISP, we believe that even small acts of service can make a meaningful difference. In the spirit of Mandela Day 2026, the KRISP team stepped away from the laboratory and office to spend the morning giving back to the community at the CANSA Care Centre on Umbilo Road in Durban.

Rolling up our sleeves and getting our hands dirty, the team set about rejuvenating the centre’s vegetable garden, which had fallen into disrepair. Together, the team cleared overgrown beds, prepared the soil and planted a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, breathing new life into a space that has the potential to provide nourishment and comfort to residents and patients undergoing cancer treatment.

“We were very excited to host the KRISP team for Mandela Day,” said Thobekile Khuzwayo, spokesperson for the CANSA Association in Durban. “Our vegetable garden had fallen into disrepair, so it was great to have help getting it back to a point where it can serve our community and help to make the lives of those undergoing cancer treatment a little brighter.”

For the KRISP team, the initiative was also an opportunity to connect outside of the usual work environment while contributing to a project with a lasting impact.

“It was great to get out of the office and work together as a team to make a real impact,” said Dr Jennifer Giandhari. “Getting our hands dirty and planting vegetables and herbs that will help the CANSA Care Centre offer some healthy food to the patients staying there is a great project to be involved in. We will monitor the garden closely and hopefully we can keep the relationship going in the future.”

text and photos: Paul Harris

News date: 2026-09-03

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