Dogs, Designers & Doing Good: Hyde Park Corner’s Mandela Day

Hyde Park Corner Celebrates Mandela Day with Dogs, Designers, and a Whole Lot of Heart

Hyde Park Corner is putting community, compassion, and creativity at the centre of its Mandela Day activities this year—and everyone is invited to get involved.

In support of animal welfare and those in need, the centre is teaming up with organisations like Absolute Pets, Sandton SPCA, and Woodrock Animal Rescue to raise awareness around pet adoption and care. Throughout the Mandela Month period, a Hisense screen in Centre Court will feature dogs that are up for adoption, helping to connect them with potential new homes.

This is part of a broader campaign that highlights not only the joy of giving back but also the importance of supporting our four-legged friends.

Local Shops Supporting Local Causes

Many of the centre’s retailers are joining the effort by showcasing pet-friendly and pet-related products. Shoppers can expect to see curated items from stores like Country Road, Le Creuset, Woolworths, Exclusive Books, Heathworks and Absolute Pets—everything from stylish dog beds to beautiful feeding bowls and books on pet care. These highlights will help shoppers discover quality products while supporting the broader campaign.

Designer Dog Houses That Give Back

One of the standout elements of this year’s Mandela Day initiative is the collection of custom-designed dog houses created by some of South Africa’s best-known fashion designers. Each designer has brought their flair and creativity to the project, resulting in unique dog houses that will be sold to raise funds for animal shelters caring for homeless dogs.

Designers taking part include:

• Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs
• House of Ole
• Sober
• Ezoketho
• The Bam Collective
• Desme Designs
• Imprint
• Renaissance
• Isabelle de Villiers
• Anissa Mpungwe Atelier
• Rubicon

All proceeds from these sales will go directly to local animal shelters.

Scarf Donation for Humans in Need

In addition to supporting animals, the centre is also focusing on people in need this winter. A scarf donation drive is currently underway, collecting scarves to be distributed to homeless individuals and children’s centres. The handover event will take place at Hyde Park Corner on 15 July. 

Celebrity Support and Centre Court Activities

Several local celebrities will be joining the event on 15 July, showing their support for the campaign and helping to raise awareness. Media will also be present, and community members are welcome to attend and be part of the celebration.

As part of the campaign’s visual focus, a 3-metre-tall dog installation—complete with a scarf—will be on display in the Centre Court. The installation aims to symbolise Nelson Mandela and his love for his Ridgeback dog, Gompo and the connection between animals and humans, and the difference we can make when we come together as a community.

How You Can Help

Whether it’s adopting a dog, purchasing a designer dog house, donating a scarf, or simply visiting the centre to show support—there are many ways for residents to get involved.

Hyde Park Corner’s Mandela Day campaign is about more than just one day—it’s about using creativity and kindness to make a difference. It’s a chance for the local community to come together and show what’s possible when we give back with heart.

“Secret Scarves Shhh… Campaign by 67 Blankets

Running alongside the adoption drive is the Secret Scarves Shhh… campaign by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. This national tradition turns hand-knitted scarves into gestures of kindness for those in need.

From 9 to 20 July, around 670 scarves created by the Morningside Mockingbird KnitWits® will be displayed throughout Centre Court. Each scarf carries the message: “I am not lost, if you are cold and need me, please take me. With love, from the 67 Blankets.” The scarves also pay tribute to Gompo, the beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback who brought warmth and joy to Nelson Mandela’s family during their time in Soweto.

At 16h00 on Friday, 18 July, the KnitWits® and members of the public will head into the streets around Hyde Park Corner, including taxi ranks, bus stops and pavements, to hand scarves to those in need.

“Everyone is welcome to help,” says 67 Blankets founder Carolyn Steyn. “We do this stitch by stitch, scarf by scarf, hand to hand because that’s how change happens.”