The 67 blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative celebrated its ninth birthday at the Nelson Mandela Foundation on January 27.
Speaking in Houghton, the initiative’s founder Carolyn Steyn said the non-profit organisation had worked tirelessly.
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“We pride ourselves on the fact that we continue to knit our lives together, knit our nation together and knit nations together. We have spent years going in and out of prisons around our country, where inmates talk about knitting their broken lives together, knitting together broken trusts.”
Steyn added that Jeppe High School for Girls raised their voices when speaking their motto, Forti Nihil Difficilius (nothing is too difficult for the brave), which was the same motto followed by the 67 minutes initiative.
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She noted that when Zelda la Grange (Mandela’s former private secretary) first challenged her to make 67 blankets, it seemed like an impossible task.
“However, Madiba did say ‘it always seems impossible until it’s done’. In the past nine years, we haven’t made 67 blankets, but way over 67 000, at least 120 000 blankets. 120 000 people have been kept warmer during the cold winter months because of our efforts.”
Jeppe High School for Girls head girl Nomagugu Khumalo said the 67 blankets for Nelson Mandela Day was significant because it recognised struggle icons that came before them and allowed them to keep their spirit alive by participating in such initiatives and giving back to communities.
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