WATCH: Mandela Day 2026: Communities unite to make every act of kindness count
Mandela Day was celebrated in different ways, but with one common purpose: making a positive difference.
Communities across Benoni embraced the spirit of Nelson Mandela Day on July 17 by dedicating their time, skills and resources to uplifting those in need. Businesses, non-profit organisations and volunteers rolled up their sleeves to make a meaningful difference, proving that even small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact.
From renovating a child welfare centre and serving warm meals to homeless residents to distributing food parcels and clothing, the day was a reminder that giving back can take many forms.
Rawson Properties, Kopanong Hotel and SANBS transform Benoni Child Welfare Centre
Benoni Child Welfare Centre received a welcome makeover thanks to the combined efforts of Rawson Properties, Kopanong Hotel and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), who spent Mandela Day improving the facility for the children in its care.
Rawson Properties dedicated the day to building cupboards for the centre, while volunteers from Kopanong Hotel painted parts of the facility. SANBS staff also joined in, lending helping hands wherever they were needed to ensure the centre received much-needed improvements.
The initiative was made possible through the generosity of businesses and community members who donated resources, allowing the organisations to make an even greater impact.
Rawson Properties representative Michael Coss said Mandela Day was about using their skills to create something that would benefit the children for years to come.
“We do this because these children need to live in a space that allows them to be kids and to be comfortable in it. I am so happy that everyone was able to come through.”
Kopanong Hotel representative Samantha Minnaar thanked everyone who contributed to the initiative.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and supported this project. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helped us make a meaningful difference for the children at Benoni Child Welfare Centre,” she said.
The organisations said they hope their efforts will encourage others to continue supporting local charities long after Mandela Day has passed.
Mother Kangaroo Day Care brings comfort to the homeless
Mother Kangaroo Day Care continued its annual Mandela Day tradition by reaching out to homeless community members living near its facility.
The organisation served breakfast before distributing food parcels and clothing to those in need, ensuring many left with both a warm meal and essential supplies.
Founder Joyce said the initiative forms part of the day care’s commitment to giving back to the community that has supported it over the years.
“Mandela Day is an important day for me. I always make sure that the community that needs help around us is always catered for as a form of giving back to them.” she said.
She said Mandela Day serves as an opportunity to show compassion and remind vulnerable residents that they are not forgotten, adding that the organisation looks forward to continuing the initiative every year.
Through simple acts of generosity, Mother Kangaroo Day Care once again demonstrated that kindness can bring hope and dignity to those facing difficult circumstances.
Restaurant-style meal restores dignity at All Souls Anglican Church
Ahead of Mandela Day, All Souls turned its weekly meal service into a restaurant-style experience, where homeless residents were welcomed to sit down and enjoy Spur-sponsored burgers and chips served by volunteers.
Supported by the Raslou Group’s Spur restaurants, the initiative focused on restoring dignity by allowing guests to enjoy a meal in a warm and welcoming environment. Winter jackets donated by Overcoat Importers were also handed out, while Indibano Victim Empowerment and MegRyan Financial Services joined volunteers in supporting the day’s outreach.
Spur representative Dagmara Odendaal said the aim was to make people feel valued.
“We wanted people to experience more than just receiving food. We wanted them to sit down, be served and be reminded that they matter. Everyone deserves dignity, respect and a moment where they feel valued,” she said.
Emma Hurley of Overcoat Importers said the company was honoured to help keep people warm during winter.
“If a coat can provide warmth and remind someone that people care, then it’s something we’re honoured to do,” she said.
Lebogang Nashikalane from Indibano Victim Empowerment said the day was about more than providing a meal.
“Today wasn’t only about food. It was about showing people that they are seen, supported and that there are organisations willing to walk alongside them on their journey toward a better future,” she said.
Representing MegRyan Financial Services, Jean Pierre Fraser said the company’s commitment extends beyond Mandela Day.
“We don’t only arrive for special occasions. We come every week because caring for people is an ongoing commitment. Mandela Day reminds us that small acts of kindness, done consistently, can change lives,” he said.
For guest Kegan Swarts, the experience was unforgettable.
“Today we could sit down, eat properly and enjoy the moment. It made me feel like a person again,” he said.
Bongeni Langa shared similar feelings, saying the kindness shown by volunteers restored a sense of hope.
“It’s not only the food that touched me. It was the way everyone treated us with respect and kindness.
Today reminded me that there are still people who care about us. Whenever the world looks down on people like us we always know that there is a loving home waiting for us right here at the church. I am forever grateful for the work they do,” he said.
The initiative was a reminder that Mandela Day is not only about giving people something to eat, but about giving them a place at the table and treating every person with dignity.
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