Latest news with #MandelaDay2025
The Citizen
5 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Mandela day wraps: Food and community upliftments
Communities across South Africa marked Mandela Day 2025 with acts of generosity, with food drives and youth-focused activities. Communities across South Africa turned out in force for Mandela Day 2025, using their 67 minutes and more to fight hunger, uplift youth and spark social change. In honour of Mandela Day, staff from across the Caxton Group came together to pack dozens of grocery bags for underprivileged children in Diepsloot, as part of an initiative led by Spark Media in partnership with the community-focused organisation, Simple Sacks. Caxton Mandela Day The initiative formed part of the company's 67 minute tribute to Nelson Mandela's legacy, with employees from publications including The Citizen, Farmers Weekly, Phone Works, BMI and Hard Digital volunteering their time to assemble essential goods into simple drawstring sacks that double as schoolbags. According to the head of marketing at Spark Media, a division of CTP Caxton, Jacqui Hansen, half of the funding for the drive was donated by Spark Media, with the other half coming from Winstel Technologies. Picture: Supplied 'We don't do it for the photos. We might not even know which children get the bags. The school knows who needs help the most and they handle the distribution with dignity,' said Hansen. Hansen added that Spark Media also covered logistics costs. 'Our own distribution trucks and supervisors will be delivering the parcels to the school next week.' Picture: Supplied ALSO READ: Mandela Day: Secret scarves to be distributed in various parts of the country Government's Mandela Day efforts In Nelson Mandela Bay, Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa joined mayor Babalwa Lobishe on July 18 to lead Mandela Day activities as part of the district development model champion role in community upliftment efforts. Concurrently, in Cape Town's Bellville, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson spent 67 minutes assisting at MES Mould Bellville Safe Space, a homeless shelter. ALSO READ: Smile Foundation's 25 years of changing lives Food, dignity, and giving in action In Cape Town and Kyalami, Ladles of Love hosted full-day youth volunteer sessions, where participants packed sandwiches, made toys for creches and assembled edible garden kits. 'Making every day a Mandela Day for small children in need is how we can honour Nelson Mandela's legacy in 2025,' said founder Danny Diliberto. At Johannesburg's Nasrec Expo Centre, FoodForward SA hosted food-packing sessions that drew hundreds of volunteers. Meanwhile, SA Harvest's Buckets of Nutrition drive ran at Melrose Arch and Pavilion Mall, with citizens donating essentials to matric pupils in need. At Menlyn Maine's Central Square in Pretoria, the Gallery of Giving, an exhibit led by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, showcased Mandela-themed art and community-driven textile works. The Citizen is a division group of Caxton and CTP. NOW READ: 5 projects that are happening this Mandela Day
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Make a difference this Mandela Day: Become a stem cell donor to fight blood cancer
South Africans have been urged to help address one of the country's most overlooked healthcare inequalities: access to stem cell transplants for blood cancer patients. Image: Supplied With Mandela Day 2025 around the corner, DKMS Africa is urging South Africans to help address one of the country's most overlooked healthcare inequalities: access to stem cell transplants for blood cancer patients. DKMS Africa community engagement and communications head Palesa Mokomele made the call in support of the Mandela Day 2025 theme, 'It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity'. Mokomele said that before 67 minutes are up, at least one South African will have heard the words: 'You have blood cancer.' However, this Mandela Day, those same 67 minutes can be transformed into a chance for survival. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Mokomele emphasised that every 10 new stem cell donor registrations significantly improve the chances of over 19,000 South Africans living with blood cancer finding a life-saving match. 'We've made progress, with more than 125,000 donors currently registered, but the registry still lacks diversity. Patients of Asian, coloured, and black heritage still face reduced chances of finding a match due to underrepresentation in the donor pool,' Mokomele said. However, even when a match is found, patient outcomes can suffer if donors do not follow through with the donation process when called upon, she added. Mokomele said that even with a growing donor pool, survival is not guaranteed, especially when financial obstacles hinder progress. DKMS Africa community engagement and communications head Palesa Mokomele. Image: Supplied 'Nearly 80% of South Africans rely on the public healthcare system, where access to blood cancer treatment is severely limited,' Mokomele said. 'While the state covers transplant costs, families are often left to fund essential steps such as tissue typing and donor searches - costs many simply cannot afford.' Mokomele added: 'Madiba reminded us that 'what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others'. 'Every donor, every rand, every shared post, counts. If we all act, we can close the gap between diagnosis and survival -and that's a legacy Madiba would be proud of.' How to make 67 minutes count this Mandela Day: South Africans can take two meaningful steps in just 67 minutes that may help save a life. Step 1: Register as a donor (5 minutes) - Visit and complete a short health questionnaire. Eligible donors aged 17 to 55 will receive a free home swab kit - just a simple cheek swab could save a life. Step 2: Multiply your impact (62 minutes) – Get involved by hosting a registration drive at your workplace, spreading awareness on social media, or donating to help cover the costs of registering new donors and matching patients with life-saving support. Every contribution brings patients closer to the treatment they desperately need. To learn more, visit Meanwhile, Thando from Gauteng and Amahle from KwaZulu-Natal need matching stem cell donors. Thando, 17, was a vibrant teenager who loved school and dancing. However, in June last year, persistent abdominal pain and unusual paleness signalled that something was wrong. After a series of hospital visits and tests, she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Now, she endures frequent hospital visits, exhausting treatments, and the pain of missing her passions.
IOL News
08-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Transforming Mandela Day 2025 into lasting impact for 67 gogos
'What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived; it is what difference we have made to the lives of others...' – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. This Mandela Day serves as an opportunity to share the wisdom of generations while fostering a culture of respect, dignity, and support for elders. It aims to be a rallying cry for compassion, action, and enduring change that extends beyond a single day. As Mandela Day on July 18, approaches, Relate Bracelets and Ikamva Labantu highlight a transformative initiative that aims to create lasting change for the often-overlooked elders in the townships. The 'Mandela Day 2025 - 67 Gogos' initiative, spearheaded by Ikamva Labantu in partnership with Relate Bracelets, is dedicated to uplifting the lives of grandmothers who serve as the backbone of many families and communities. This year, as the community comes together to bead bracelets and share the rich stories and lessons of Nelson Mandela, they are not just honouring his legacy but they are taking significant steps towards addressing the financial struggles and emotional burdens faced by older women in society. With research indicating a concerning rise in elder financial abuse, this initiative is more critical than ever. The 'Mandela Day 2025 – 67 Gogos' initiative is calling for change that endures long after the day is done. Ikamva Labantu and Relate Bracelets have partnered to create a day to raise awareness and funds to change the lives of elders in townships. Participants on July 18 will join a group of Ikamva Labantu's 'Gogos' (grandmothers) for 67 minutes to bead bracelets while sharing stories and memories of Nelson Mandela. Older women in townships often care for children and grandchildren due to a high unemployment rate. Their limited monthly pension of just over R2300 is insufficient to cover a family's basic living costs. Ikamva Labantu's recently published independent study on elder abuse in Cape Town's townships, found elderly women are at greater risk of financial abuse. Their pensions are exploited by their own children and grandchildren, and they carry unwanted parental burden for young grandchildren. This results in older women being more impoverished. Ikamva Labantu's Senior Clubs provide essential healthcare, nutrition, as well as legal and social support. Relate Bracelets has been partnering since 2011 to provide seniors with the chance to augment their pension by beading cause-related bracelets at Ikamva Labantu's Senior Clubs. Finally, Ikamva Labantu provides bedridden older adults with access to homecare services, rehabilitation assistance, as well as assistive and mobility devices. Ishrene Davids, Director of Ikamva Labantu, says: 'Older people fought in Apartheid to ensure a better future for the next generation, but many of them do not possess the equality and human rights they fought for. Our older people are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Ikamva Labantu works with the community to provide essential services and empowers elders who may otherwise be isolated and face abuse.' 'This Mandela Day we are raising awareness about our often-forgotten elders' struggles. We call on society to recognise our elders' on-going contribution to their community by helping create lasting change in their lives.' Dalit Shekel, CEO of Relate Bracelets, says: 'Relate Bracelets' partnership with Ikamva Labantu is about honouring our gogos – the grandmothers who have held families and communities together for decades. We're proud to play a part in helping them earn with dignity, stay active and connected, and feel a renewed sense of purpose. This dignity first approach sits at the heart of everything we do. And every time someone chooses to wear a Relate bracelet, it's a small act that keeps us all connected.' The Ikamva Labantu and Relate Bracelet's Mandela Day initiative has already raised over R100 000 towards supporting Ikamva Labantu's 17 community-led Senior Clubs and homebased rehabilitative care for homebound elders, with corporates like Pam Golding Group, Sovereign Group and Spectacle World contributing. If your company, school or community has not yet pledged 67 minutes, on July 18 you can donate non-perishable food items like canned food, rice, maize meal, cooking oil, sugar and coffee to Ikamva Labantu's head office in Woodstock. These items will be distributed to Ikamva Labantu's bedridden elders.
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Celebrating Mandela Day 2025: join Ladles of Love in feeding the future
Danny Diliberto, Founder/CEO, Ladles of Love, and Hans Bruechle making final preparations for the upcoming Mandela Day event at the DHL Stadium. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers As South Africa prepares to celebrate Nelson Mandela's legacy on 18 July 2025, Ladles of Love has launched its latest Mandela Day campaign, urging people around the world to "Make Every Day a Mandela Day and Feed the Future'. This year, the NPO has partnered with acclaimed Australian street artist Hans Bruechle—also known as Handbrake—to deliver an inspiring and interactive art installation that highlights community spirit and support for early childhood development (ECD). Bruechle, a muralist known for his bold black outlines, tattoo-style aesthetic and vibrant cartoon energy, has worked with major global brands such as Porsche, Mercedes, Tesla, Harley Davidson, and Jack Daniel's. Now, he brings his unique style to Cape Town for a meaningful purpose. For the Mandela Day 2025 project, Hans will create a single cohesive mural design spread across 42 separate canvases—generously donated by Primeart. Once assembled, the full image will depict a detailed garden of South African native flowers, plants, and animals, surrounding a message of hope and love. At the Ladles of Love event on July 18th volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to each canvas with either a colourful finger print or a personally written message of hope and support for the children of the ECDs. Each volunteer will be able to grab a paint marker and write a personal message on the painted canvases, becoming an integral part of the overall artwork. Once the event concludes, each of the canvases will be distributed to various ECD centres around Cape Town. The idea is to brighten the walls of these centres and to leave children with tangible, daily reminders that they are supported by a wider community. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The mural forms part of Ladles of Love's broader Mandela Day campaign, now in its seventh year. The initiative focuses on tackling child food poverty in South Africa through volunteerism and purpose-driven partnerships. Founder and CEO Danny Diliberto explained the mission: 'At Ladles of Love, we believe that every plate of healthy food has the power to change a life. Mandela Day reminds us that we all have the ability to uplift our communities through volunteerism. This year, we're inviting people to buy tickets and through acts of kindness, make items that support early childhood development giving small children hope and a healthy start in life.' Bruechle added: 'I feel very lucky to be able to contribute to such a fantastic organisation. Having visited a few of the ECDs now I've seen firsthand just what a wonderful impact Ladles of Love has on these communities, and just how much further we have to go. The fact that I can use my skill set to hopefully help in some way puts a huge smile on my face. The team have been extremely welcoming to me and I can tell that they all genuinely believe in what they're doing. What could be better?' He said he had many 'aims' with this outreach: 'I wanted to create something colourful and local for the children in the ECDs to enjoy but I also wanted to work in a collaborative element to the work so that the generous volunteers at the event could take some ownership of it too. 'By including space for volunteers to write a heartfelt message of support or add their fingerprint not only are they adding to the overall artwork but hopefully it reminds the kids who see it that there are people out there who do care. Real people who want a better country and a better world and who hope for a bright future for every child. It might inspire them. 'Coming from Australia I didn't know the significance of Mandela Day until I got here but I think the collaborative nature of the mural fits right in with the notion of Ubuntu. The overall painting can only be seen when all of the canvases are together - just like a community. Each of us is our own canvas, but it's when we're together that the true meaning emerges.'
