Knitting for Madiba
HOUGHTON – Knit wits who are knitting blankets for charity were treated to an evening of entertainment at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton, with live performances by Tim Moloi, Zandile Mzazi and international musician Nathan Belt.
A group involved in the 67 Blankets for Madiba Day initiative, KnitWits – who are knitting blankets for charity – were treated to an evening of entertainment at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton on 27 January.
The 67 Blankets for Madiba Day initiative started as a challenge and has grown into an international campaign to provide warm blankets to the less fortunate.
Founder of the campaign Carolyn Steyn said it began when former personal assistant to the late Nelson Mandela, Zelda la Grange challenged her to knit 67 blankets for Mandela Day. “I realised that I wouldn’t achieve this alone, so I got help from friends and started a Facebook page,” she said.
“The response was overwhelming,” said Steyn. She said the campaign gained interest and had gone beyond the borders of South Africa to other countries such as Australia, Cyprus and the UK.
Steyn said they have knitted “way over” 67 blankets and would knit about 670 blankets. She said people who were interested in joining should visit the 67 Blankets for Madiba Day Facebook page.
The requirement is that the blankets should either be a baby blanket or a single bed blanket that should measure 150cm by 200cm. It has to be handmade, as blankets purchased from a store would not be accepted. They can be knitted or crocheted and will be distributed on Mandela Day on 18 July with the help of Bikers for Mandela Day.
Killarney resident Robyn Higgins said the initiative was very exciting as it brought people from different backgrounds together. “It’s so wonderful to see so many men involved and enjoying this. The children will be warmer because the blankets are made with an expression of love,” she said.
La Grange commended Steyn and said the passing of Mandela was saddening. “However, turning those emotions into something meaningful helps overcome the sadness. We are very touched by the vigour of the 67 Blanket knitters,” La Grange said.
Steyn encouraged community members to join the initiative even if they had not knitted before.
The knitters were also kept entertained with live performances by Tim Moloi, Zandile Mzazi and international musician Nathan Belt.
Details: Visit 67 Blankets for Madiba Day on Facebook or @Carolyn_Steyn on Twitter
