6 ways to spend 67 minutes on Mandela Day in Cape Town

Mandela Day is celebrated globally on 18 July, honouring Madiba's life and legacy.

It encourages individuals, communities, and organisations to reflect on Mandela's values and principles by positively impacting their communities.

The 67 minutes symbolise the number of years the former President fought for human rights and the abolition of apartheid.

Here’s your guide on how to spend your 67 minutes in Cape Town:

Pledge a personalised Virtual Santa Shoebox

The Santa Shoebox Project invites the public to participate in their online initiative this Mandela Day by pledging personalised Virtual Santa Shoeboxes.

Each shoebox contains eight essentials: a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a facecloth, school supplies, a toy, sweets, and a clothing voucher.

On 18 July 2024, South Africans can purchase a Virtual Santa Shoebox from the Santa Shoebox Project website or OneDayOnly.co.za.

OneDayOnly.co.za will match the total number of Virtual Santa Shoeboxes bought on their site.

For those who cannot afford a shoebox, there is an option to donate any amount of money.

Virtual Santa Shoeboxes cost R450.

Click here to participate.

Join SA Harvest's 'Bucket of Nutrition' Challenge

Hunger remains a critical issue in South Africa, with nearly 20% of households lacking adequate access to food, according to Statistics South Africa.

This Mandela Month, SA Harvest is launching the #BucketsofNutrition Challenge, aiming to address immediate hunger and provide sustained nutrition for families in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.

The campaign aims to feed a family of four for up to three weeks beyond Mandela Day.

Participants can engage in three ways: packing buckets with essential food items, donating their time to pack or assist with logistics, or contributing financially.

To sign up, click here.

Fight hunger with Ladles of Love

Ladles of Love is an organisation fighting childhood hunger by providing nutritious meals to Early Childhood Development centres in high-need areas.

This Mandela Day, at the V&A Waterfront’s Lookout, they're offering various volunteer opportunities for you to contribute your 67 minutes.

You can make sandwiches, pack boxes of goodies, sort cans, or knit squares for blankets – activities suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Tickets are available for just R200, with each ticket supporting the mission and providing 40 meals to a child.

Choose your time slot and preferred activity when purchasing a ticket here.

Pack food parcels with FoodForward SA

Dedicate 67 minutes of your day to packing food parcels with FoodForward SA this Mandela Day.

By sorting food items and packing parcels, you'll support non-profit organisations such as community kitchens, shelters, centres for vulnerable children, and elderly care facilities in preparing nutritious meals.

Join them at the FFSA Western Cape Warehouse at 21 Polaris Road, Lansdowne.

To book your spot, click here.

Get creative (and a little dirty) with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA

If you're eager to roll up your sleeves, consider spending 67 minutes with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. 

Join them for activities on 18 July from 9 am to 4 pm at the Corner of First Avenue and First Road, Grassy Park.

If you can't join in person, you can still contribute with a R67 donation made here.

Start at home

Spending your 67 minutes doesn't have to feel daunting at all.

While supporting organisations is wonderful, you can also make a meaningful impact from home.

During these rainy, cold days, consider making extra sandwiches or soup, purchasing blankets, and distributing them to the homeless in your area.

Remember, while it's important to commemorate Madiba's legacy on special occasions like Mandela Day, striving to be a better, more selfless version of yourself should be a daily commitment.

Every small act of kindness contributes to a brighter, more compassionate South Africa.