The 1st Ballito Scouts Group marked Mandela Day by preparing Jars of Hope to help struggling families, demonstrating that small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.

Each Jar of Hope contains dry ingredients to prepare a nutritious meal capable of feeding a family of four. The jars were donated to Inala SA, which works in collaboration with Vision 153, and were cooked into meals for members of the Thembeni community in Groutville on Saturday.

Pack Scouter Wendy Mayer said the initiative reflects one of scouting’s core values – serving others.

“In scouting, we teach young people the importance of giving back to their communities and how even the smallest contribution can make a meaningful difference,” she said.

Mayer also thanked Elaleni Lifestyle Estate, Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate and the Mount Moreland community for their generous donations, which made the project possible.

Observed annually on July 18, Mandela Day encourages South Africans to dedicate 67 minutes to serving others in honour of Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public service.

For the 1st Ballito Scouts, the initiative was an opportunity to live out the spirit of Madiba’s legacy.