Spreading the message of goodwool

The campaign, proudly supported by Cell C, announced its drive to produce 21 000 blankets by 21 April this year and create a world record in the process.

67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, founded by social entrepreneur Carolyn Steyn, encourages people across the world to knit or crochet blankets to keep needy people warm, in honour of Madiba.

The campaign is also linked to Nelson Mandela Day and the 67 Minutes initiative driven by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

This year, Steyn is also looking to schools to take up the challenge and has, in her personal capacity, donated a cash prize of R210 000 to give to the participating school that produces the most single bed size blankets.

Schools throughout the country participating in the initiative, could also share in more than R650 000 in cash prizes with 21 of those schools also standing a chance to win one of the R21 000 prizes sponsored by Cell C.

“This inspiring activity can knit together communities and people across the country. We are hoping that all South Africans will take up this challenge,” said Suzette van der Merwe, executive commercial communications at Cell C and head of the Cell C Foundation.

A host of well-known faces including Sophie Ndaba, Miss South Africa Ziphozakhe Zokufa, Anele Mdoda, Gareth Cliff, Johnny Clegg, the cast of Generations, Melinda Bam and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe have also taken up the challenge to help produce these 21 000 blankets.

These blankets will be spread across the lawns of the Union Buildings in Pretoria at the feet of the Nelson Mandela statue before being donated to charity organisations around the country.