AS Nelson Mandela Day celebrations unfold in July, a billionaire from India has put his BEST foot forward.
Recently, Pradeepto Kumar Biswas, Founder and CEO of Plataforma Asia and Indian Ocean Group, was handed over the first and only Ford Ranger Wildtrak in SA, bearing Nelson Mandela’s official signature.
Biswas, through this company, was presented with the key to the state of the art 4X4, which formed part of an auction held in honour of the Fund’s 30th anniversary, raising over R1-million towards the ongoing funding of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund programmes that focus on child protection, youth leadership, health, education and sustainable livelihoods.
Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo, Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, said the handover was a reminder that Madiba’s legacy continues through practical acts of generosity.
“This vehicle is more than a one-of-a-kind collector’s item. It represents hope, partnership and a shared commitment to children,” said Dr Ncube-Nkomo.
“We are deeply grateful to Mr Biswas for his generous support. His contribution will help us continue the work Nelson Mandela so passionately championed: protecting children, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.”
Plataforma Asia and Indian Ocean Group focuses on water technology solutions and according to Biswas, they will also install water grid machine at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital to improve access to quality healthcare for children, he told this reporter during the tour of the hospital.
“By installing the grid machine would help reduce the cost of hospital to the municipality greatly.
The kind of technology designed machines we have will also be unveiled in other parts of the country like Eastern Cape, Free State and Western Cape, that also experience water scarcity,” confirmed Biswas, who said they will also expand to other provinces including NW.
Probed if India does experience water shortage like SA, he did not mince his words and reiterated this country has best water solutions he’s ever seen in the world, but it needs implementation, whereas India can learn a lot from SA in terms of infrastructure.
“Look, we’re not competing with anyone but ours is to provide water solutions, that’s our core mandate as a company. This thing of boiling or putting a pill in water must come to an end, hence we’re targeting the mentioned provinces to bring a solution to communities.
A point is- we’re investing our best technology to mitigate such problems in this country that I love so dearly. Water can’t be a scarce commodity,” continued Biswas bracing cold SA weather.
On uTata Nelson Mandela, he said he was honoured by his legacy that continues to inspire people around the world.
“Nelson Mandela’s values of dignity, equality and service have shaped generations,” remarked Biswas.
“Owning this incredible vehicle is indeed such a privilege, but the real honour is knowing that this contribution will support the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and its work to improve the lives of children.
This is not simply about a vehicle. It is about investing in the future Madiba wanted for every child,” he concluded by conceding looks forward traveling the length and breadth of this country in his orange Wildtrak.
During the hospital tour, the team was told it was short of Oncology department that will cost over R54m to implement and on the spot- Biswas confirmed he would involve Tata group- another Indian leading motoring/technology organisation to help.
In absentia, Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company Africa says: “Ford is deeply honoured to have been part of a project that celebrates Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy.
As a South African champion for over a century, we appreciate so deeply what Madiba’s legacy means and how it is such a tangible part of our national spirit. For us it remains critical that we continue this as we champion what brings us together as a nation.”
Zanele Ngobese, a radiographer at the NMCH, opined she was happy for everyone at the hospital that water issue will be a thing of the past as soon as the water grid machine is installed.
And yes, during the tour we did come across what is called a Radio Lollipo- a kiddies-made station meant to entertain them, and though we could not enter the studio- Biswas, was seen dancing already with his Singapore / SA teams.
Image Jacob MAWELA (Pradeepto Biswas, Platforma Africa’s founder limned posing next to the limited edition Ford Wildtrak he acquired from a Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund’s 30th anniversary gala dinner auction, during a handover ceremony held at the NMCF offices, Houghton- Johannesburg, recently.)
