From 67 blankets to 21 000
DIEPSLOOT – What began as a light-hearted challenge between two acquaintances, has evolved in to a world record attempt to knit 21 000 blankets to commemorate 21 years of freedom.
“It all began when Zelda Le Grange, Nelson Mandela’s former personal assistant, challenged me to knit 67 blankets by Mandela Day last year,” said project initiator, Carolyn Steyn, who then appealed to friends on Facebook to help her achieve this goal.
“The project has since exploded and become a global movement. The project is hardly a year old and has already won an award for campaign of the year.” She now oversees an army of knitters and crochet enthusiasts across South Africa, all of whom are affectionately known as Knitwits.
The aim of the project is to have 21 000 blankets knitted by 21 April, which will then be spread on the lawns of the Union Buildings at the feet of the Nelson Mandela statue to commemorate 21 years of democracy and freedom.
The campaign has partnered with Africare, Wot-if and Cell C foundations to employ women in the Diepsloot community to make blankets for the cause. During the official launch of the project in the informal settlement, the new Knitwits were spoilt with a visit from actress Sophie Ndaba who also picked up a hook and some twine to do her knit-bit.
Cell C Foundation managing executive and former Miss South Africa, Suzette van der Merwe, and CEO of the Nelson Mandela Trust, Selo Hatang were also present to show their support for the skills development and community upliftment in Diepsloot through this project.
Do you know of anyone who is also planning amazing projects for Nelson Mandela day? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
