By: Nkululeko Zilibokwe
This movement aims to knit 21 000 blankets to be donated to charity organisations around the country. The blankets will be placed at the foot of Nelson Mandela’s statue at the Union Buildings on 21 April in celebration of 21 years of freedom.
Carolyn Steyn, founder of this initiative, was full of praise for the support she has received, and made a plea to all South Africans from all walks of life to rally behind this fantastic cause. “Keeping thousands of people around the world warm in the name of our beloved Nelson Mandela – his legacy lives on in each blanket we produce with our hands,” said Steyn.
The movement has captured the attention of many South African celebrities as well as corporates and do-gooders in Australia, Canada, Germany, Cyprus, London, United States and India.
CEO of Cell C, one of the companies supporting this initiative, Jose Dos Santos said, “As an organisation, and [the] values we stand for, and also Nelson Mandela’s vision, we thought we should support this. It’s a great initiative and the response from people has been phenomenal.”
He added that South African CEOs should get involved by challenging one another to knit.
Former Miss SA and current PR representative for Sun International, Claudia Henkel said, “It’s my first introduction today. I think a lot of people should get involved, it’s a great initiative, you don’t need to be a celebrity to make a difference, anyone can do this.”
Sunrise presenter on eTV, Penny Lebyane, who was also in attendance said, “It’s a great initiative for a great cause. It’s a lovely skill, knitting. It will be cute to knit something for the kids. It’s wonderful to see everyone doing their bit for this great initiative.”
If people want to be part of this initiative they can knit blankets and drop them off at their nearest Cell C stores.
Will you be knitting blankets for this great cause? Let the Sandton Chronicle know in the comments section below.
