This year, Nelson Mandela would have turned 100 years old. To commemorate this poignant moment in South Africa’s history, there are several centennial events planned for all South Africans to partake in. Each year on Mandela’s birthday, July 18, locals give 67 minutes of their time to continue his legacy and make this country a better place to live in for all its residents.
There is an abundance of activities to get involved in – from helping out at soup kitchens, raising funds for animal shelters or cleaning up the environment – it is a day of selflessness.
Mandela is revered within our country, not only for his efforts in uplifting the nation but also in reminding us of the values of humanity and kindness. Everyone is encouraged to take part in 67 minutes of giving back to society. South Africa needs the help of every citizen to uplift one another and help our society grow.
Here is how you can do your part this Mandela Day:
1. Call to Care
The Call to Care centre is hosting a day for St Josephs school for chronically ill children. Volunteers can spend their 67 minutes with the children and for a small donation of R250, participants are able to choose how to make a difference at the school. There are three sections to contribute your donation to – from the building of a sustainable and water wise vegetable garden, to preparing meals or repainting the classrooms, there is something for everyone to get involved in.
Address: Pallotti Rd, Montana, Cape Town
Contact: 021 934 0352
Date: 18 July 2018
2. DARG Volunteer
Spend the day with a furry friend while you help the shelter in their day-to-day activities, donations are welcomed. DARG is a shelter for animals that are abandoned or homeless. The shelter will be open from 10am – 2pm on the mentioned dates.
Address: Hout Bay Road, Scott Estate, Cape Town
Contact: 021 790 0383
Date: 14 July and 18 July 2018
3. Mandela Day Soup Kitchen
The love that translates through food can fill not only a persons stomach but also their hearts – the Mandela Day Soup kitchen will take place at the Cape Quarter and calls for all volunteers to bring along a bag of vegetables, a knife, cutting board and vegetable peeler. In 2017 – the event made over 1000 litres of soup for the less fortunate and they intend on making even more this year. The Cape Quarter Tops and Spar will be offering a R100 special for a knife, cutting board and vegetable peeler on the day, the event will be from 10am – 2pm.
Address: 27 Somerset Road/ 72 Waterkant Street, Green Point, Cape Town
Contact: 021 421 11 11
Date: 18 July 2018
4. Fun Walk with Sarah Fox Children’s hospital
Get active and give back to society through the Fun walk with the Sarah Fox Children’s hospital in Athlone. The event will host a fun walk that will last 67 minutes along with children’s activities and food stalls. Entrance to the walk costs R40 and serves as a donation towards the hospital. Registration for the walk will start at 8am and the walk begins at 9am from Nantes park.
Address: Nantes Park, Athlone, Cape Town
Contact: 021 637 1302
Date: 18 July 2018
5. Annual Mandela Day Clean up with Love our Trails and K-Way
Make a difference to our beautiful Cape Town landscape and environment on Mandela Day – the clean up will take place along Lions Head and includes picking up litter and scrubbing graffiti off the rocks along the mountain. Love Our Trails and K-Way will be providing the tools to help you scrub off the graffiti from gloves, packets and cleaning materials.
Address: Lions Head, Cape Town
Contact: [email protected]
Date: 15 July 2018
6. 100 Opportunities for Mandela Day
For good is encouraging everyone to get involved in Mandela day as we celebrate his birthday – the forum lists a 100 different activities for you to get involved in across the province. Please visit www.forgood.co.za and choose your cause to get involved in.
Address: Across the province
Contact: 021 447 1082
Website: www.forgood.co.za
Picture: Unsplash