Charities and volunteer opportunities: How to help the helpers this Mandela Day

30 Jun 2025

Volunteers at Jozi My Jozi Mandela Day 2024 Joburg city clean up. Photo: Mark Straw.

Big smiles and helping hands; Ladles of Love makes it easy to get involved for a good cause. Photo: Ladles of Love.

Teaching little ones about growing food. Photo: Hero Holidays.

Pull out your knitting needles for a good cause. Photo: 67 Blankets.

To commemorate the life and deeds of Nelson Mandela, in 2009 the United Nations declared his birthday, July 18, Nelson Mandela Day. It's an opportunity to celebrate and pay tribute to Mandela's lifelong fight for democracy, reconciliation, and social justice in South Africa. Every year on Mandela Day, ordinary citizens are encouraged to devote 67 minutes to charitable work, symbolic of the 67 years that Nelson Mandela served South Africa as an activist, prisoner, and later as South Africa's first democratically elected president.

However, it's important to consider whether our donations truly benefit the intended recipients. Sometimes, the items we donate, such as books and clothing, end up being unusable or burdensome for charities.

A post by Gail Scott Wilson on Instagram (@dizzylexa) shed light on this issue (July 2023). Wilson visited a local charity store and found an immense pile of books that filled a room, but were slowly being eaten by rats. It's a disturbing thought in a city that has so much need, and yet, as the conversation developed, it became clear that often charity organisations are handed a multitude of items that cannot be reused (yes, even books) and they may lack the resources to sort through and distribute these items, leading to damage and storage problems.

Experts we contacted emphasised the importance of asking first and ensuring that the chosen donation recipients can use the items as intended. It was suggested to visit the outlet first.

Derek Smith, from the Read Educational Trust, explained in the comments on Gail's post that the lack of financial and time resources required to assess, organise, and distribute donated items often exceeds the cost of purchasing new ones.

We reached out to Khensani Mohlatlole, a content creator and advocate for sustainable fashion and practices, for advice. Mohlatlole emphasised donating usable clothing, which means washing everything beforehand, because many charities and thrift shops lack the resources to clean donated items. It's also essential to carefully consider the quality of clothing and other items being donated. “A great thing to remember is that if you wouldn’t wear it, why should someone else,” Mohlatlole advises.

Regarding books, Mohlatlole suggests thinking about what your school librarian would say before donating them. Textbooks and schoolbooks should be donated directly to schools to provide students with free access. Additionally, it's wise to enquire if your local public library accepts donations.

To truly make a difference this Mandela Day, Fri, Jul 18, 2025, it's crucial to donate with clear direction and support ongoing campaigns run by reputable charities, so here's our list of charities and initiatives to ensure your contribution to celebrate Nelson Mandela's legacy is meaningful and sustainable.

If you want to help the helpers, here's a look at some organisations you can support.

67 Blankets for Mandela Day

67 Blankets broke the Guinness World Record in 2015 for the largest area covered by a blanket on the grounds of Pretoria's Union Buildings. — 67 Blankets broke the Guinness World Record in 2015 for the largest area covered by a blanket on the grounds of Pretoria's **Union Buildings**. Photo: Peter Morey.

67 Blankets is a national movement dubbed the "knitting revolution for Mandela" that began in 2013 to honour the late president and has grown exponentially since. Knitting, sewing, or crocheting your own blanket to donate to the organisation is one of the ways you can get involved; squares and scarves are accepted too (contact your nearest Johannesburg ambassador for drop-off points). For those less crafty, you can donate wool, hooks, or needles to the cause, or partner with a skilled knitter who lacks the means to purchase the necessary materials but has the time to make up blankets. Thousands of blankets have been donated to those in need to date, reaching beneficiaries far and wide.

This Mandela Month, 67 Blankets is celebrating the spirit of giving with the Gallery of Giving at Menlyn Maine Central Square. Open from Fri, Jul 4 – Thu, Jul 31, the exhibition features beautifully handmade blankets crafted by 67 Blankets volunteers, alongside over 30 Mandela-inspired artworks from a private collection.

#67000L challenge by Chefs with Compassion

Chefs tackling hunger, one litre of soup at a time. Photo: Chefs with Compassion.

Chefs with Compassion challenges you to make as much soup as you can muster for Mandela Day and donate it to a beneficiary of your choice. Launched during the early days of the hard lockdown of 2020, the Chefs with Compassion movement sees corporates, hotels, restaurants, culinary schools, and home cooks joining forces with local NPOs to tackle hunger. The organisation also rescues foodstuffs from the Joburg Fresh Produce Market that are about to be discarded and distributes them to kitchens for chefs to cook into healthy and nutritious meals. Register for the sixth edition of this special initiative here or donate to Chefs with Compassion here.

Build-a-backpack with Rosebank Management District and Rosebank Homeless Association

50 new backpacks donated by **Southern Sun Rosebank**. Photo: Rosebank Management District.

The Build-a-Backpack campaign is back and you’re invited to help make a difference, one backpack at a time. Now in its third year, this heartwarming initiative by the Rosebank Management District and the Rosebank Homeless Association supports the Immaculata Shelter at Rosebank Catholic Church, which provides safe shelter, warm meals, hygiene essentials, and dignity to those experiencing homelessness.

Simply fill a new or gently used backpack with winter essentials – warm clothes, toiletries, towels, or blankets – and drop it off at the Rosebank Visitor Centre (via the Bath Avenue entrance at Rosebank Mall). For bulk donations, contact Basil on +27 71 764 1972. This initiative will continue until Thu, Jul 31. Find out more information here.

Make a difference at the Johannesburg Children’s Home

The **Johannesburg Children's Home** in Observatory. Photo: Supplied.

The Johannesburg Children's Home (JCH) is a place of great importance in the city. It was founded in 1892, making it one of the oldest charitable institutions in Joburg. It has been a haven for scores of abused, neglected, traumatised, and abandoned children in the years since. Today, the JCH has a staff of over 50, including 24 qualified childcare workers and two part-time therapists, all of whom are dedicated to creating a safe and loving environment in which children can thrive.

The JCH celebrates Mandela Day throughout July. This Mandela month, Johannesburg Children’s Home invites you to make your 67 minutes count with meaningful, hands-on activities that directly support the 64 children who call the Home their own. Whether you're planting seedlings in the food garden, painting palisade fencing, deep-cleaning cosy cottages, or sorting donations. On Mandela Day, Fri, Jul 18, visitors can enjoy a 15 – 20 minute guided tour to learn more about the Home’s work and meet the children, admire a special art display by the talented young residents, and tuck into a boerewors roll or chicken burger with a cooldrink for just R50. Snacks and drinks will also be available at the tuckshop – all in support of a great cause. Can’t make it in person? No problem. You can send items from the Home's need list via delivery or donate online. Every gesture, big or small, helps. Find out more information about how you can contribute here.

For other ways to get involved, you can support Thrift Up – a lovely thrift store off Norwood's Grant Avenue – where all proceeds support the JCH. Direct donations are always welcome; if you're unsure what items are needed the most, you’ll find an up-to-date needs list on the website here. Alternatively, hire out the Westcott Hall, make use of the JCH catering service, get your laundry done, or give your time as a volunteer. Upon our visit to the JCH, we found out more: read the story here.

City connectors: Jozi My Jozi

Volunteers at Jozi My Jozi Mandela Day 2024 Joburg city clean up. Photo - Mark Straw.

This Mandela Day, Jozi My Jozi is calling on Joburg’s corporates and community changemakers to turn good intentions into real impact. With a range of ready-to-go projects – from fixing up classrooms and police stations to upgrading food gardens and supporting youth programmes – there’s something for every team to get involved in.

Choose an initiative that fits your budget and values, and Jozi My Jozi will connect you to the right community partner. You bring the team, tools, and energy – they’ll help guide the way. It’s all about sustainable, long-term change, not just one-off gestures. Find out more about how you can get involved here.

Frida Hartley Shelter for women and children in Yeoville

Yeoville's Frida Hartley Shelter strives to empower women with tailored counselling and skills training.
Photo: Frida Hartley Shelter.

The Frida Hartley Shelter (FHS) has a maximum capacity of 45 women and children per month at their two-storey building in Yeoville. To sustain their operations, a daily amount of R157 (July 2024) per person is needed. When women first arrive at the shelter, they often have few possessions, and the non-profit shelter is always looking for donations of adult and children's clothing, blankets, nappies, toiletries, sanitary products, and cleaning agents. They also welcome corporate support in the form of job training programmes, internships, and employment opportunities.

The Frida Hartley Shelter (FHS) is expanding its impact with an Affordable Housing Project, providing a safe, dignified next step for women transitioning out of the shelter. These lock-up-and-go units offer a private bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom, allowing women to maintain their independence while still benefiting from FHS support. It’s a long-term commitment to breaking the cycle of homelessness, and FHS is calling on partners and supporters

To learn more about their life-changing work and how you can contribute, visit their website here.

Mental health support with youth-led Mindfu(l) Organisation

The team behind Mindfu(l) Organisation, a youth empowerment initiative. Photo: Mindfu(l) Organisation.

Mindfu(l) Organisation, a youth-led initiative, strives to democratise mental health support in South Africa. Recognising the scarcity and exclusivity of mental health services, they aim to bridge the gap by offering accessible education and resources. Through informative talks, workshops, and social media content, they destigmatise mental illness and address contributing factors like family dynamics and gendered violence. Mindfu(l)'s services include a Peer Mentorship Programme, support groups, and Phone-a-Friend, fostering safe spaces for students to navigate their mental health and empowering youth with supportive communities. For more information and ways to get involved, visit their website here.

Sustainable tourism with Hero Holidays

Be a helping hand on your holiday. Photo: Hero Holidays.

Join Hero Holidays, a community organisation rooted in education that seeks to establish strong foundations for South Africa's youth. Sustainable development projects include infrastructure building, skills teaching, and early childhood programmes. By giving your time, you can support underprivileged communities with limited access to quality education and connect deeply with diverse cultures. The minimum volunteering donation is two weeks; it's an immersive travel experience that enriches participants and local residents, creating impactful changes from small deeds. Witness the Big Five on safari or explore 3,000km of wild coastline with Hero Holidays, a fulfilling blend of service, cultural immersion, and adventure. Find out how you can have a holiday with an impact on their website here.

Spread kindness with Ladles of Love

Fresh produce ready to feed South Africa's youth. Photo: Ladles of Love.

Ladles of Love isn't about providing meals only, it's about dignity, respect, and creating a better world for all. The organisation provides nutritious food for those who need it, supports farmers to grow wholesome food in an economical and sustainable way, and empowers food entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and create jobs, aiding in the development of South Africa's economy.

On Mandela Day, Ladles of Love invites you to volunteer your time and creativity to support small children in need. Held at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, you can choose from four fun activation zones: making nutritious food packs, creating educational posters and colouring books, crafting lovable toys, or growing edible garden kits that teach kids and families about growing their own food. Each ticket (R250 per person) provides two healthy meals a day for a child for a whole month. Volunteer shifts run in two-hour slots from 09:00 – 17:00, making it easy to fit in some meaningful giving. Find out more information and sign up for the Johannesburg event here.

Support the Bekezela Creche volunteers

The three volunteers of the Bekezela Creche in Newtown. Photo: BackaBuddy.

Established in March 2022 in the Bekezela informal settlement in Newtown, the Bekezela Creche is run by three volunteers from the community. Teachers Melphy Silwana and Funeka Mbadu and caretaker Justin Ngozo have been running the facility out of their own pockets since its inception, providing 30 children (July 2023) under the age of seven with access to early childhood development and safety from the violence in the community. Support them this Mandela Day with a monetary donation to help them continue creating a positive impact in the community. Find out more and donate here.

Exotically Divine Pulse

Once known for their much-loved vegan restaurant at Market on Main, Kganyapa and Ayanda of Exotically Divine Pulse are now the custodians of Drill Hall (read more about the history of Drill Hall here) – reviving this forgotten landmark through nourishment, healing, and nature-based urban renewal. Exotically Divine Pulse is a Johannesburg-based non-profit that promotes community wellness and self-sufficiency through plant-based African food education, community gardens, and innovative urban waste management solutions. Find out more about Exotically Divine Pulse and how you can get involved here.