This Mandela Day, South Africans are rolling up their sleeves to make their 67 minutes matter. From beach cleanups and feeding the hungry, to uplifting early learning centres and honouring our elderly, there are plenty of ways to get involved and build the country Madiba dreamed of. Here’s how you can help:
🌊 1. Join the Trash Bash Beach Cleanup at Sunset Beach
Cause: The Two Oceans Aquarium’s Trash Bash is tackling the plastic pollution crisis head-on with a winter beach cleanup on Saturday, 19 July at Sunset Beach.
How you can help:
- Show up between 09h00 and 11h00 at Sunset Beach (Forata Drive).
- Bring weather-appropriate clothes, a reusable water bottle, gloves, and a bucket.
- Hunt for plastics, chip packets, sweet wrappers, and microplastics.
Stay for a lucky draw with spot prizes!
🔗 For more info, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium website.
🍲 2. Feed the Nation with Chefs with Compassion’s #67000Litres Campaign
Cause: Chefs with Compassion aims to cook over 100,000 litres of soup this Mandela Day to feed 400,000 people in need.
How you can help:
- Cook soup at home and donate it locally.
- Donate R167 (or any amount) to support community kitchens.
- Get your company involved in backing a kitchen or sponsoring ingredients.
- Spread the word using the hashtag #67000litres.
🔗 Register, donate or find a kitchen near you at www.cwc.org.za.
🐶 3. Help Hungry Pets with TEARS Animal Rescue’s 6’n’7 Campaign
Cause: TEARS is aiming to raise 13 tonnes of pet food to feed animals in vulnerable communities, preventing shelter overcrowding and pet starvation.
How you can help:
- Donate food or funds to support TEARS’ Feed Hungry Pets Programme.
- Share Ingrid de Storie’s story, a local hero feeding up to 30 animals a day in Ocean View.
- Support animal welfare education to change attitudes around pet care.
🔗 Donate here: givengain.com/campaign/mandela-day-6n7-project
ALSO READ: Mandela Day Goes to the Dogs
🧸 4. Build Climate-Resilient Preschools with the DO MORE FOUNDATION
Cause: In response to climate change, the DO MORE FOUNDATION is transforming Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres into safe, climate-resilient spaces.
How you can help:
- Volunteer your 67 minutes to assemble Climate Resilience Play Packs.
- Sponsor upgrades like water-harvesting kits, shaded play areas, solar fans, or drought-resistant trees.
- Donate from as little as R67 to create lasting change for vulnerable young children.
🔗 Contact kris.fenton@domore.org.za or visit the DO MORE FOUNDATION website to get involved.
👵 5. Honour 67 Gogos with Ikamva Labantu & Relate Bracelets
Cause: Many elderly women in townships are caregivers with little financial support. The 67 Gogos initiative helps them earn an income through beading and provides vital care.
How you can help:
- Spend your 67 minutes beading bracelets and listening to stories with Ikamva Labantu’s grandmothers.
- Buy or sell Relate Bracelets to support dignity-first income generation.
- Donate non-perishable food to their Woodstock head office for homebound elders.
🔗 Visit Ikamva Labantu or Relate Bracelets to pledge or donate.
🏫 6. Donate to Preschools with Grow ECD
Cause: Grow ECD equips under-resourced preschools with training, tools, and resources to help young children receive 5-star early education and build sustainable centres.
How you can help:
- Donate items like preschool tables, chairs, art supplies, cleaning products, books, toys, or outdoor play equipment (e.g., scooters or balls).
- Mobilise your network to gather supplies for a centre near you.
- Donate cash — just R120 can fund a one-wheel push scooter that supports children’s development and joy.
🔗 For the full list of needs and drop-off info, visit: growecd.org.za
This Mandela Day, let’s do more than remember—we act. Whether it’s a pot of soup, a handful of plastic, or a bracelet made with care, every effort helps to build a better South Africa.
To find more causes this Mandela Day visit the official webpage HERE.
