WATCH: South embraces the spirit of giving on Mandela Day
The community of the south, like many around the world, celebrated Mandela Day on July 18.
This global call to action honours Nelson Mandela’s legacy of championing human rights, democracy and equality. This year’s events focused on uplifting the community through service and support.
To many, Mandela Day represents
• A symbol of hope and inspiration. Mandela’s life serves as a beacon, inspiring individuals to work toward a better world.
• A call to action. Citizens are encouraged to spend 67 minutes serving their community, reflecting Mandela’s 67 years of activism.
• The promotion of equality and justice. The day reinforces values like fairness, reconciliation and dignity for all.
• Personal responsibility. It reminds us that everyone has the power to make a meaningful difference.
• A celebration of humanity. A chance for people to come together, show compassion and work toward positive change.
Some of the activities on the day include:
Booysens SAPS spruced up
Pomeroy Community Development NPO visited Booysens SAPS where they conducted clean-up and beautification project.
@southern.courier Happening today, Pomeroy Community Development NPO is at Booysens SAPS for a Mandela Day initiative to promote civic responsibility, environmental care and public safety. Joining them are UJ volunteers, Correctional Services, JMPD, Nedbank Southdale, Tramway Hardware, Chicken Licken Booysens, Romans Pizza Southdale and Pikitup. Activities include cleaning, gardening and painting around the station. #MandelaDay #MandelaDay2025 ♬ original sound – Southern Courier
There was general cleaning, gardening, litter removal, and minor restoration work around the station including painting.
The NPO’s chief executive officer Thabane Xaba said, “With our presence here we want to promote civic responsibility, environmental care and public safety in honour of Madiba legacy.
Thank you to all stakeholders who heeded the call which include among others UJ volunteers, correctional services, JMPD, Nedbank Southdale, Tramway Hardware, Chicken Licken Booysens, Romans Pizza Southdale and Pikitup.”
Rueven Old Age Home citizens get pampered
The Lucky Lekgwathi Foundation, in collaboration with Southdale Shopping Centre and Pick n Pay, visited Rueven Old Age Home in West Turffontein to give back to the senior citizens at the facility.
@southern.courier Happening today, Southdale Shopping Centre has partnered with the Lucky Lekgwathi Foundation to give back to the community at Reuven Retirement Village in celebration of Mandela Day. #MandelaDay #MandelaDay2025 ♬ original sound – Southern Courier
Lucky Lekgwathi said, “The idea for the foundation started in 2010 during my playing days at Orlando Pirates. When I retired in 2016, I continued with it full time.
“I host soccer tournaments and visit schools to donate sanitary pads and school shoes. I chose Rueven because these are the people who supported me when I was a player. I believe the blessings I received during my career came from them. That’s why I’m here today.”
The Corinthians in La Rochelle
BASF employees, alongside their partners upgraded the Corinthians where they cleaned the grounds, opening spaces for farming. They also painted and repaired the interior of the Corinthians building.
@comaro.chronicle Happening today, BASF has begun upgrading the Corinthians FC grounds as part of their Mandela Day initiative. Work includes cleaning the area, creating space for farming, and painting and repairing the interior of the building. #MandelaDay #MandelaDay2025 ♬ original sound – Damien Hebbard456
South Rand Recreation Centre abuzz with activities
CRUM: Region F, the City of Johannesburg Sports and Recreation Department, and other stakeholders hosted a Mandela Day event for senior citizens at the South Rand Recreation Centre in South Hills.
@southern.courier Senior citizens celebrated at South Rand Recreation Centre for Mandela Day Happening today, CRUM Region F, the City of Johannesburg’s Sports and Recreation Department and other stakeholders are hosting senior citizens at the South Rand Recreation Centre in South Hills in honour of Mandela Day. #MandelaDay #MandelaDay2025 ♬ original sound – Southern Courier
The event aimed to show appreciation for the elderly and highlight the challenges they face.
Activities included a Q&A session with the South African Police Service to address safety concerns and provide information on crime prevention.
Representatives from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) were also present to assist with queries related to social grants and available services.
Additionally, Clicks offered free health checks and shared valuable health information with attendees.
Look Forward Creativity Centre
Look Forward Creativity Centre in South Hills had volunteers from the community who helped clean their premises, donate food and give their time to help the centre with maintenance and looking after the children for the day.
@southern.courier Community volunteers support Lookforward Creativity Centre for Mandela Day Happening today, Lookforward Creativity Centre welcomed community volunteers who helped clean the premises, donated food, assisted with maintenance, and cared for the children for the day. #MandelaDay #MandelaDay2025 ♬ original sound – Southern Courier
Merchants of Light at work
Merchants of Light NPO, Virgin Active Bedfordview, Kit Kat Cash and Carry Benoni and Toyota Knights spent the day giving back to the community.
They thanked Virgin Active Bedfordview and Kit Kat Cash and Carry for supporting the initiative.
A total of 150 grocery hampers were distributed, each supporting a family of four. A loaf of bread and a hot meal were served to 250 people, who also received bags of oranges, clothing and blankets. During Mandela Week, Merchants of Light reached out to residents in Rosettenville and Turffontein.
Some ways people celebrated Mandela Day include:
• Volunteering: Helping at local charities, schools or community organisations.
• Acts of kindness: Engaging in small gestures, such as reading to children or assisting an elderly neighbour.
• Community service: Taking part in clean-up campaigns, food drives or other local initiatives.
• Education and awareness: Organising or attending events that highlight Mandela’s life, teachings and the importance of social justice.
Overall, Mandela Day is a reminder that individual actions, no matter how small, can collectively drive positive change and help build a more equitable world.
