The nation rallied together in 2010 to celebrate the inaugural Nelson Mandela Day in celebration of the former head of state’s 92nd birthday.
Since then, they have encouraged communities and businesses to dedicate 67 minutes on the late president’s birthday, July 18, to reach out to those in need.
This year various business, community organisations and individuals rolled up their sleeves to make a difference in the lives of others.
Northfield Methodist Church and Clean Projects
The Northfield congregation partnered with Clean Projects to clean the intersection of Webb Street and Aerodrome Drive, Northmead, which borders the church.
“Noticing the positive impact of the work from Clean Projects, not only on the environment but also on the general well-being of the community, I was moved to host a clean-up project with them,” said pastor Quinton de Beer.
“Their values resonate with that of the church, and when endeavouring something like this, you need to partner with leaders who continuously make a lasting and sustainable difference.”
Volunteers from the church, community, the Manger Care Centre and 100% Foundation donated their time from 08:00 to 16:00 to make another of the city’s intersections beautiful.
The Animal Guardians (TAG)
A dozen staff members from Epiroc in Jet Park traded collared shirts for dog hair, cuddling and taking the fury residents of TAG for their daily walks.
The pups yapped as they took the volunteers to their favourite sniffing posts.
The company further donated food, treats, blankets and toys to the shelter while spoiling the TAG staff with eats.
“It delights us when local business extends a helping hand to our organisation,” said Annie Jungmann, of TAG.
“Days like these offer our animals much-needed individual attention. Hopefully, the visit would lead to some of our animals finding forever homes.”
Benoni Child Welfare
Staff members and social workers of Benoni Child Welfare took time off from their busy schedules to spend 67 minutes engaging in acts of kindness and compassion with Benoni residents.
They distributed 50 cups of soups and bread to homeless people and those less unfortunate in and around Benoni.
Vanessa Carelse, director of Benoni Child Welfare, said, “This initiative also had to teach our children the importance of giving back and caring for those in need in our community.”
Daveyton Mall and Kamohelo Community Development Centre
Daveyton Mall partnered with Kamohelo Community Development Centre to give back to the community by feeding homeless people. They handed out bread, juice and pies to 300 people in need.
Daveyton Mall’s marketing manager, Lebohang Moloi, said, “Daveyton is a neighbourhood that has a lot of social issues, with the major one being poverty.”
She elaborated on how a lot of homeless people are always begging for food at the mall, hence, they decided to feed the less fortunate.
“I know many of them and seeing them going hungry every day pains me. I wanted to give back to people I know need this gesture the most,” she added.
The Harmony Singers graced the event by singing during the handover.
Vunkonko Society and Daveyton SAPS
Vonkonko Society visited Lerutle Primary School in Daveyton to donate 22 school shoes, 137 sanitary pads and 10 pairs of socks to the learners.
While at the school, they painted the buildings with the help of Daveyton SAPS members and the Daveyton CPF deputy chairperson, Kedibone Nyamane, who is also a member of the Vonkonko Society.
“We are pleased to be allowed to paint the school. The bright colours of the paint will motivate learners to come to their colourful school, enhancing their academic performance,” said Nyamane.
According to Daveyton SAPS Sector Four manager Joseph Maboleu, the school bought the paint, but the gesture of helping to paint the premises meant a lot to them.
Bollie Creche Nursery School
Bollie Creche and Nursery School donated 80 fruit packs, books, stationery and toys to the Farrarmere Gardens Nursery School.
They also donated fruit packs to the underprivileged people of Benoni.
“We got our Bollie parents on board and received an overwhelming amount of donations,” said the principal, Aleida Stoltz.
Bollie learners packed these donations as part of the 67 minutes of Nelson Mandela Day.
Farrarmere Gardens Nursery School principal, Anna Kabato, expressed gratitude for the donation they received.
Rolihlahla Primary School
The Daveyton Heritage Society visited the Rolihlahla Primary School in Etwatwa to clean its premises.
“Because Nelson Mandela opened the school himself, we gave back by cleaning the school,” said Xolani Nkosi from the NPO.
The school principal, Cavin Hlatswayo, was thrilled to see youngsters rolling up their sleeves to make a difference in the community.
Willowmoore High
The school’s Interact Club joined other South Africans to spent their 67 minutes for Mandela making a difference in the lives of others.
The club made sandwiches and donated soup packets to the Salvation Army.
“It was another opportunity to take action and inspire change in the Benoni community. It allowed the Willowmoore High youth to be the change they wished to see in the community. They were alongside organisations like the Salvation Army, fostering goodwill,” said their mentor, Sharol Naidoo.
The Millennial Mindset Foundation
The foundation joined hands with chef Carol Madumo of Chefs with Compassion and Lucia’s Catering to host a lunch date for the elderly in Wattville.
Life Glynwood Hospital
The hospital staff delivered food to the Msholozi Informal Settlement in Apex.
GALLERY:
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