PICTURES: Mandela Day blankets bring warmth to Joburg CBD

67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day honoured the legacy of Mandela by distributing scarves in central Johannesburg.

Youngsters from the central Johannesburg community drink some water as they queue for food, while wearing their 67 Blankets For Nelson Mandela Day donations of scarves and beanies, 18 July 2025. The distribution forms part of the annual Nelson Mandela Day initiative. Scarves, knitted by volunteers across South Africa, were distributed at Port Plein Park and were available for anyone to help themselves. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen

The distribution forms part of the annual Nelson Mandela Day initiative, where South Africans donate their time and effort to helping the needy.

Scarves, knitted by volunteers across South Africa, were distributed at Port Plein Park.

This year’s activation brings together a team of partners including City Sightseeing Joburg, Stuttaford van Lines, the Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP), and the United Ethiopian Community Association in South Africa, who provided hot soup and hospitality for those gathering in the park.