Keeping Mandela’s legacy alive stitch by stitch

SANDTON – Dozens of people gathered at Nelson Mandela Square to help knit blankets for 67 Blankets.

Atamia Jako and Cresta Mojela enjoy their morning knitting for 67 Blankets. Photo: Laura Pisanello

The 67 Blankets Initiative gathered at Nelson Mandela Square to help collect blankets for the needy before winter and collect donations for victims of Cyclone Idai which wreaked havoc in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

This year’s ‘Magical Moments’ event marked six years since the initiative was started by Carolyn Steyn. She began the initiative shortly after Nelson Mandela passed away when she was challenged by Madiba’s long-time personal assistant Zelda La Grange to knit 67 Blankets for Mandela Day.

Founder of 67 Blankets Carolyn Steyn proudly shows off some of the blankets donated. *Photo: Laura Pisanello*

Steyn didn’t know 67 people to help her with the blankets and so put out a call on Facebook to encourage others to get involved.

“It exploded into something beyond my wildest expectations, its exploded into a movement for good, a movement for change,” she said.

Events were held around the country where ‘KnitWits’ could knit blankets and drop them off. The blankets will be distributed to those in need to ensure that recipients are kept warm before the cold sets in.

Rachel Sekhu, Deidre Xulu, Vely Matsebadlela and Priscilla Mogate enjoy their morning knitting for 67 Blankets. *Photo: Laura Pisanello*

At Nelson Mandela Square, hundreds of blankets were laid out on the square with a massive blanket of the South African flag laid out at the feet of the Nelson Mandela statue. A large blanket was also draped over the arm of Mandela for the occasion.

Steyn said she was still in awe of the many people who knitted blankets for the cause. 67 Blankets has amassed five world records and people around the world continue to get involved in the initiative.

Founder of 67 Blankets Carolyn Steyn enjoys some of the entertainment on the day. *Photo: Laura Pisanello*

“I live, eat, sleep and breathe blankets. Its all about bringing communities together, bringing people from all walks of life together. We talk about knitting our lives together and knitting our nation together.”

Steyn added that she had received a call from Graca Machel, Mandela’s widow, to also help collect donations for those who have been affected by Cyclone Idai. Many people took the opportunity to drop off essential goods and Steyn said she was overwhelmed with the response.

Greta Collier, Jean Edwards, Maureen Young, Carol Morris and Jo Corlett show off their handiwork for 67 Blankets. *Photo: Laura Pisanello*

The day included a variety of performances to entertain the KnitWits and passersby. Children of the Sacred Heart School’s choir and the Hillbrow Outreach Project Children’s choir performed as well as singer Timothy Moloi.