More than 160 patients at Witkoppen Clinic received handcrafted scarves and beanies as the Cedar Lakes Estate KnitWits celebrated Mandela Day by sharing warmth and dignity with residents.

The initiative formed part of the national 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day campaign, which sees volunteers across South Africa knit blankets, scarves and beanies for people in need during winter.

Led by Denise Brennan, the Cedar Lakes Estate KnitWits spent months knitting before delivering their handmade gifts to patients at the clinic.

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“We handed out scarves and beanies to around 160 people, including mothers and babies. People were very happy, and everybody received either a scarf or a beanie,” she said.

She added that the group regularly meets to knit blankets, scarves and beanies, which are donated to organisations and communities as part of the 67 Blankets movement.

“This was Cedar Lakes Estate’s Mandela Day project. While we completed our handover before Mandela Day, 67 Blankets has similar projects taking place across the country.”

For Witkoppen Clinic, the donation provided more than protection against the winter cold.

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Business development manager Elaine Ngwenya said many of the clinic’s patients travel from underprivileged communities, including Diepsloot and Kya Sands, where families often struggle to afford necessities.

“Our patients come from very impoverished communities and access healthcare here because it is affordable. If families struggle to afford healthcare, it becomes even more difficult to buy winter clothing or other necessities.”

“The Cedar Lakes KnitWits, through the 67 Blankets initiative, wanted to help our patients stay a little warmer this winter. Receiving these handmade items means our patients feel cared for and supported.”

She added that community partnerships play a vital role in helping the clinic care for patients beyond their medical needs.

“As a clinic, we care for patients holistically. That means looking beyond healthcare to whether families have enough food, warm clothing and other essentials. Community donations help us meet those needs and strengthen the care we provide.”

The clinic also received a warm meal donation from Commrisk insurance brokers as part of the Mandela Day outreach, ensuring many families left not only with warmer clothing but also with a nourishing meal.

Ngwenya encouraged residents wishing to support the clinic to donate good-quality clothing or non-perishable food items to contact them at businessd@witkoppen.co.za.

“Every contribution helps restore dignity and improve the well-being of patients facing difficult circumstances.”

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