How will you be donating your 67 minutes this Mandela Day?

However you choose to give aid, we want to make it as easy as possible by providing you with the information you’ll need about food and blanket drives happening this year, as well as various organisations where you can volunteer your time, skills and services. If you’d prefer to donate cash, please note that each of the superb organisations below urgently needs funds, too.

Mandela Day Aid Schemes and Events this 2026

Ladles of Love

Local NPO Ladles of Love once again invites individuals and businesses to roll up their sleeves and volunteer to support children in need at its Mandela Day flagship event.

Ladles of Love has everything prepared, and volunteers’ only responsibility is to show up to lend a hand at one of four activation zones that must be chosen when booking tickets. The activation zones include the

• The Make Zone, where participants make as many sandwiches as possible within 67 minutes
• The Create Zone, where volunteers create preschool posters, flashcards and activity workbooks to support early childhood learning
• The Craft Zone, where volunteers put together teaching aids such as bean bags, puppets and veggie trucks
• The Grow Zone, where volunteers build grow boxes with vegetable and herb seeds, supports urban farmers who supply fresh produce to preschools.

Corporate teams looking to use the experience as meaningful team building receive meal packages, fast-track entry, reserved seating, branding opportunities and a motivational talk by Danny Diliberto, the founder and CEO of Ladles of Love. Group ticket purchases of 50 tickets or more can be invoiced and paid for via EFT. Kindly email [email protected].

Purchasing a ticket commits ticketholders to spending 2 hours in active service making items to help nurture and grow little ones at pre-school centres and shelters. Each R250 ticket is also deemed a donation, as with the money spent on just one ticket, a child will receive two nutritious meals a day for a month, and for this donation, the ticketholder can also request an 18A tax certificate.

Cost: R300pp; R200 per pensioner or student. Book online

When: Wednesday, 22 July 2026. Slots are at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec rd, corner Rand Show Rd, Nasrec, Johannesburg

FoodForward SA

Mandela Day is a powerful opportunity to unite the nation through meaningful change, and FoodForward SA is asking citizens to spend their 67 minutes in aid of food insecurity in South Africa.

The FoodForward SA Mandela Day brings thousands of corporates, schools, clubs, families, and individuals together to spend their 67 minutes sorting and packing essential food groceries for those who are facing food insecurity in the country, while fostering unity and collective action toward a shared goal – food security for all.

Cost: R67pp, book via Webtickets

When: Friday, 17 July 2026. Slots begin at 9.30am, and 11.30am
Where: Gallagher Convention Centre, 19 Richards Dr, Halfway House, Midrand

Mandela Day Walk/Run

Get involved in the highly anticipated Nelson Mandela Foundation Mandela Day Walk and Run 2026 event. 

This annual event is dedicated to promoting community service and inspiring positive change within South African communities. Participants have the opportunity to select from three distances – 5km, 10km, and 21km.

The 5km route will go through parts of Illovo and Melrose North, while the 10km and 21km routes will include sections of Houghton Estate, passing by some iconic sites such as the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Nelson Mandela’s residence.

Cost: R120pp (5km); R170pp (10km); R220pp (21km). Book via Ticketpro.

When: Sunday, 19 July. Start times are 7.30am for 21km and 10km and 7.45am for 5km
Where: DP World Wanderers Stadium, Corlett Dr, Illovo, Sandton

Ashraful Aid Mandela Day

Ashraful Aid is a humanitarian organisation that hosts a massive employee volunteer event every Mandela Day, honouring the life and legacy of South Africa’s former president, Nelson Mandela.

The organisation hosts the event in partnership with the Lions cricket team, packing thousands of food hampers that provide crucial relief to vulnerable families across South Africa, with the help of volunteers.

There is a target of 5000 food parcels in a single day, which provides vital meals to an estimated 20000 individuals across the country. These hampers contain essential items like maize meal, cooking oil, and sugar, with each parcel carefully packed to sustain families in need.

The packing takes place at the DP World Wanderers Stadium, transforming the busy cricket arena into a massive packing facility, allowing for hundreds of volunteers to spread out and pack thousands of bags efficiently.

Cost: Free entry

When: Thursday, 16 July from 9am – 3pm. Book via Quicket
Where: DP World Wanderers Stadium, Corlett Dr, Illovo, Sandton

Mandela Day Fun Run

Thuthukisa Community Initiative launches an energised morning to celebrate International Nelson Mandela Day with a 5km and 10km charity fun run. Whether visitors are walking with family and friends or going for a personal best, Thuthukisa creates an atmosphere full of energy, community, and impact. Plus, all proceeds from the run go to worthy causes.

Thuthukisa Community Initiative is a charity that works to improve, develop and promote the well-being of vulnerable groups in communities, such as, but not limited to, abused and widowed women, orphaned and vulnerable children, children and adults with special needs, the elderly and people living with mental disabilities.

Cost: R75pp (5km) | R150pp (5km x2). Book via Quicket.

When: Saturday, 18 July from 7am – 1pm
Where: Household of Christ, 691 Blesbok St, Mooikloof, Pretoria

Woodrock Mandela Day Walk of Giving

Woodrock Animal Shelter is a non-profit, pro-life, rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing shelter in South Africa, sheltering over 500 animals, including donkeys, pigs, chickens, rabbits, geese, goats, dogs, and cats.

The 6.7km across the shelter is inspired by the 67 minutes of service championed by Nelson Mandela, and it makes a tangible difference in the lives of rescue animals and the broader community we serve through our outreach programmes. The walk provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the organisations and introduces over 500 rescues, including dogs and cats, donkeys, ducks, and farm animals.

Visitors are welcomed at the Hope Hub at the start of the walk, where donations from the Woodrock Mandela Day Wish List are dropped off. These donations include gently used clothing, blankets, cleaning supplies, household goods, pet food, and essential items.

Sponsorship is available for water stations (Paw-se Stops) along the route, and for R6 700 per sponsored stop, an organisation’s branding is prominently displayed.

In addition to the walk, volunteers and corporate teams participate in projects that include painting kennels, gardening and landscaping, washing blankets, farm maintenance, and supporting the clinic and outreach programmes.

Cost: Free entry

When: Friday, 17 July to Sunday, 19 July from 9am – 2pm
Where: Plot 51, R511 Hennopsrivier, Pretoria Rural, Centurion, Pretoria

Emeris Ruimsig 5km Walk

Emeris Ruimsig collaborates with My Walk Made with Soul (My Walk), Love Cities, and Run/Walk For Life to host a fundraising 5km walk and run. My Walk is a proudly South African non-profit initiative that provides learners with access to durable school shoes. The company transforms uncontaminated, single-use PVC medical waste, such as IV bags and tubing, into high-quality school shoes for children as a gift of dignity.

The family-friendly event invites members of the public to spend their Mandela Day taking steps towards a future where every child has access to the dignity and opportunity that a pair of school shoes can provide. To honour the 67 Mandela Day minutes, all those finishing within 67 minutes will be entered into a lucky draw that will take place 67 minutes after the start time. There will also be medals for the first 500 finishers, with consolation prizes for the next 100 finishers.

Cost: R100pp, book via Quicket.

When: Saturday, 18 July from 8am to 12pm
Where: Emeris Ruimsig, 144 Peter Rd, Ruimsig, Roodepoort

Christmas in July Fête at GEM Homes

Christmas comes early at GEM Homes for senior citizens as the Christmas in July Fête invites community members, families, friends, and bargain hunters for a day filled with entertainment, delicious food, and exceptional shopping opportunities.

The fête features numerous stalls offering a variety of goods, including white elephant treasures, books, pre-loved clothing, plants, toys, jewellery, and a wide selection of bargains. Attendees can savour treats from the tea garden and indulge in pancakes, boerewors rolls, bacon and egg breakfasts, breyani, and much more. For those looking to relax, the beer garden has the perfect spot to unwind, with entertainment being provided throughout the day.

To ensure the success of this special event, GEM Homes is reaching out to the community for donations of toys, DVDs, CDs and items in good condition for the White Elephant Stall. These items will help stock the stalls and contribute to fundraising efforts supporting the residents of GEM Homes. Donations can be left at the gate or dropped off by prior arrangement at weekends.

GEM Homes offers affordable, safe, and comfortable accommodation for senior citizens, including those in the local community who rely on the State Old Age Pension. Funds raised from events like the Christmas in July Fête help keep rentals affordable and enable GEM Homes to maintain a caring and supportive environment for all residents.

Cost: Free entry

When: Saturday, 25 July from 8.30am
Where: 99 Mendelssohn Road, Franklin Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg.

JHF and Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries

JHF and Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries are stepping in to tackle the finer details of cleaning up the Braamfontein Cemetery. While City Parks has done the heavy lifting by clearing trees and branches damaged by massive storms earlier this year, JHF and Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries are clearing smaller debris/branches in the storm-damaged section and cleaning historic headstones as we go.

After the hard work is done, there is a traditional braai and picnic to relax and catch up. Visitors are encouraged to pack their picnic basket, braai goodies and drinks, and a table and chairs if needed.

Please remember to bring:

• Tools: Garden rakes, secateurs, pruning shears, or stiff brushes/rags for cleaning headstones.
• Gear: Sturdy, closed shoes are a must, as are gardening gloves, a sun hat, and sunscreen.
• Refreshments: Plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated

Cost: Free entry

When: Saturday, 18 July from 8.30am to 1.30pm
Where: Braamfontein Cemetery, 18 Graf St, Johannesburg

Don Mattera Obituary Installation

The Apartheid Museum, in partnership with the Don Mattera Legacy Foundation, unveils its Don Mattera Obituary Installation in honour of Don Mattera, who passed away on 18 July 2022 at the age of 85.

Don Mattera was a towering figure in South African literature, journalism, and cultural life, whose voice captured the pain and resilience of a nation under apartheid. Born Donato Francisco Mattera in Johannesburg’s Western Native Township, he was affectionately named Bra Don, Zinga, and Monnapula – the man who came with the rain. Later, as a Muslim, he was known as Muhammad Omaruddin.

Mattera became celebrated as a poet and the Bard of Liberation in South Africa.

Despite two banning orders spanning a continuous period of close to nine years, house arrest, and marginalisation, Mattera continued to write, mentor, and organise. His legacy endures through his words, his family, the Don Mattera Legacy Foundation, and the generations he shaped.

Cost: Free entry

When: Saturday, 18 July from 8.30am to 1.30pm
Where: The Apartheid Museum, Northern Parkway, Gold Reef Rd, Ormonde, Johannesburg South

67 Minutes in Motion

Home Runn Club hosts a Mandela Day celebration that brings people together through movement, live music, and community experiences.

More than a run/walk, this morning is dedicated to celebrating community, creating connections, and sharing the energy that makes this day special.

Visitors can expect live DJ entertainment, the Culture Coffee event village, a premium goodie bag for every 5km finisher, a recovery station powered by NamedSport & Fuel Lab, spot prizes powered by Outside Already, interactive brand activations and content experiences, and guided movement experiences with coaches and pacers.

Cost: R99pp, book via Quicket.

When: Saturday, 18 July from 8.15am to 10am. Run starts at 8.30am
Where: Culture Coffee, 693 Windsor Rd, Garsfontein, Pretoria

Organisations to lend your 67 minutes to

If you are considering looking beyond the 67 minutes, below are great organisations to offer whatever aid you can, beyond Mandela Day. Perhaps you could have a good winter clear-out and donate clothes or other items to those less fortunate. Or maybe you have a skill you could share with an organisation, whether just for an hour’s consultation or regularly.

Donate your time

Assist with food gardens or plant a tree

Assist in food gardens and sustainability initiatives with Food and Trees for Africa. Visit Willow Feather Farm in Pretoria and get involved in sustainable efforts with tree planting and more. 

Roll up your sleeves at feeding schemes and packing drives 

You can spend your 67 minutes by volunteering to pack food parcels for those in need with Rise Against Hunger. Last year, the organisation packed 425 736 meals. This year, the goal is 430 000 or more.

Help uplift our youth 

Give 67 minutes of your time to help out at Boys & Girls Club in Soweto or Kids Haven in Benoni with interactive activities with the children and upliftment of the venues (painting, gardening, etc). 

Support Pups, Kitties and Other Animals 

Help out at animal shelters like SPCA, Woodrock, and Tears – with general upkeep, cuddles, dog walking, and admin. 

Donate your skills

Use your field of speciality 

Sizanani helps high school learners from Alexandra township in Johannesburg to succeed in their studies and gain access to universities through the provision of mentors, career information and bursaries. There are several different ways to help, including short-term/day options. Provide a workshop about your industry, tutor, participate in a Life Orientation class, become a mentor and more. 

Blairgrowie residents can join the community effort and volunteer their 67 minutes to the Blairgowrie Recreation Centre’s Pool Project taking place from 9am to 12pm on Friday and Saturday, 18 and 19 July 2025.

Donate clothes, food, and other items

Vintage with Love accepts gently worn clothes and accessories from people in and around Cape Town and Joburg and resells them at stores in both cities. The profits go to literacy charities such as Realema Teacher Intern Programme, Community Assisting Schools, Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy and the Click Foundation.

The Johannesburg Children’s Home needs food, toiletries, clothes and more. They could also do with community service and fundraising aid. Find out more about what they need more urgently here. 

67 Blankets needs wool, hooks and needles (or you can also knit and donate a blanket!). 

Bring gently worn children’s shoes to the shoe drive for township children, organised by Charity Begins with Me. To get involved, WhatsApp Stephen on 072 5933 866. You can also donate full uniforms as part of Kolonnade Retail Park’s 67 Uniforms for 67 Minutes initiative. Drop-off is at the Centre Management Office.

The Mekayla Memorial NPC is requesting donations for their soup drive as well, hoping to serve 400 people with wholesome, homemade soup and bread. Monetary and ingredient donations are welcome. See the details here.

There are more ways you can help!

Visit forgood.co.za, find something happening in your city as part of their Mandela campaign and bring your friends and colleagues along. You could help a cause by feeding children, painting an aftercare centre or creating a beautiful garden. If you can’t make it to an organisation on the day, there are loads of things you can do from the comfort of your couch or office desk – help manage their Facebook page, tidy up their website, or do some proposal writing.