Ekurhuleni – get your knitting needles and crochet hooks ready – 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day is coming soon.
On February 7, “Knitwits for Madiba” will unite at the Adelaide Tambo Cultural Centre, in Wattville, Benoni, from 10.30am to 3pm, for a Knit-a-thon.
This activity forms part of the My Body My Space festival of public arts.
The festival has been coordinated by The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative (FATC) and will take place between February 2 and 7.
Featuring a range of works by Johannesburg’s top contemporary choreographers and dance companies, community-based artists and crafters, it celebrates 20 years of democracy as it explores issues relating to gender violence and the impact of HIV/Aids.
It aims to re-stitch communities and spaces that have previously been separated, to shine a light on the role of women, children and other vulnerable members of society, and to find a shared voice and experience critical, personal and social issues.
Alba Letts, the divisional head of the arts, culture and heritage department of sports, recreation, arts and culture for the metro, said: “We are very excited about partnering with 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day and encourage the community of Ekurhuleni to get involved in this do-good movement.”
The movement has already hosted Knit-a-thons on Robben Island, at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick, at Madiba’s old stomping ground – Vilakazi Street in Orlando West, Soweto – and at the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton – now it’s Ekurhuleni’s turn.
Carolyn Steyn, the founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, said: “Both veteran knitters and novices are encouraged to attend the Knit-a-thon.
“Crochet lessons will take place throughout the day.
“Our goal is to collect 21 000 blankets from around South Africa before April 2015.
“These blankets will first be displayed at the feet of the Nelson Mandela statue, at the Union Buildings, on April 21.
“This will be to celebrate 21 years of democracy in our country.”
Airlink and Stuttaford Van Lines have come on board to collect the thousands of blankets from all around South Africa.
They will then return the blankets to their places of origin, to be distributed to those in need, as soon as the cold strikes.
“The Tambos were close friends of Madiba, so the venue in Ekurhuleni is very significant,” Steyn said.
For more information visit the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day (South Africa) Facebook Page, follow the group on Twitter @67blankets or visit www.67blankets.co.za.
