Organizations urge continued support for vulnerable children year-round after Mandela Month ends

Around the world, people dedicated 67 minutes on Mandela Day to contribute to a common cause. This time was chosen in honor of each year Nelson Mandela spent fighting for social justice and human rights. In Durban, on July 18th, groups of local residents, businesses, and volunteers responded to Madiba's call to service, demonstrating that small acts of kindness can spark long-term change.

Activity in different parts of the city

A spirit of selflessness was felt throughout the city. In the areas of Bonela and Chatsworth, volunteers from Sewa International South Africa supported high school students while also conducting medical check-ups for the elderly. At various shelters and nursing homes, the DSK Group distributed approximately 700 blankets, hygiene kits, and hot meals.

Blood drives and charity

Meanwhile, at the Chatsworth Centre, the Rotary Club of Chatsworth, in collaboration with SANBS, collected 87 liters of vital blood, exceeding the initial target. Among these significant aid efforts, particular attention was drawn to the project at the Verulam Hospice aimed at creating a sustainable legacy.

Initiative at Verulam Hospice

Members of the Sathya Sai Centre Durban North implemented an initiative at the hospice by planting local trees and committing to providing 22 food baskets monthly for patients and their families. This campaign, held at the hospice in Verulam, included planting trees to improve the appearance of a newly renovated parking lot and create a calmer atmosphere for visitors, staff, and patients.

The organization's monthly commitment to providing food baskets will ensure necessary nutritional support for needy families receiving palliative care, thereby strengthening the spirit of service and compassion associated with Nelson Mandela's legacy.

Significance for patients

The President of Verulam Hospice, Nova Chetty, emphasized that this initiative will have a profound impact on the lives of those served by the hospice. She stated: 'Mandela Day reminds us that any act of service, no matter how small, has the power to change lives.'

Chetty added that the trees will provide shade and create a peaceful, welcoming environment for patients, their loved ones, staff, and visitors for years to come. He highlighted the even greater importance of the promise of 22 monthly food baskets, which will alleviate the situation of the most vulnerable families facing the emotional and financial burden of caring for a person with a terminal illness.

He explained that the hospice provides comprehensive palliative care, recognizing that patients' needs extend far beyond medical treatment. 'Many of our patients come from disadvantaged backgrounds where food scarcity is a daily reality. Knowing that these families will receive regular support in the form of food allows them to focus on what matters most: spending precious time together with dignity and peace,' he explained.

For patients and their relatives, the trees symbolize more than just landscaping; as they grow, they will enhance the area and create quiet corners during life's most difficult moments.

Financial challenges and partnership

Like many non-profit organizations, Verulam Hospice faces increasing pressure due to the rising demand for palliative care amid growing operational costs. The institution relies heavily on donations, fundraising, and volunteers to ensure that patients continue to receive compassionate care regardless of their ability to pay.

Chetty noted that collaboration with community organizations is critical to maintaining these services. He concluded: 'This generous contribution demonstrates what can be achieved when organizations work together in the true spirit of Ubuntu.' He added that the Sathya Sai Centre Durban North did not just donate trees or food baskets; they invested in the well-being of the patients and showed them that their community cares about them.

As part of an initiative held in honor of Mandela Month, thousands of children attending schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers across South Africa have benefited from a program that included the delivery of food parcels and the creation of food production gardens aimed at improving food security.

Volunteer Activities and Project Scale

Volunteers from FirstRand Volunteers (FRV) mobilized 2,500 employees from nine provinces to work alongside the organization Meals on Wheels. During this activity, 2,500 nutritious food parcels were packed for needy families, and food growing containers were established for schools, ECD centers, nursing homes, and community organizations.

The national campaign under Mandela Month supported vulnerable communities through food security initiatives. The Mandela Month program, with a total cost exceeding 10 million rand, provided food, agricultural resources, garden infrastructure, seedlings, compost, irrigation support, and ongoing training.

Achieved Results and Goals

The initiative has already reached about 50–60 beneficiary organizations across South Africa, many of which provide daily meals, education, care, and auxiliary services to children, the elderly, and vulnerable families. The volunteer activities were designed to extend the impact of Mandela Month beyond a single day of service, promoting long-term food security and encouraging employee volunteering.

Thousands of vulnerable children are expected to benefit from the food parcels and gardens created during Mandela Month. Kone Gugushe, Head of Social Investment at FirstRand Group, noted that 'Mandela Month reminds us that meaningful change starts with action. Through this program, our employees united across the country to provide both immediate aid and long-term solutions for food security in the communities we serve.'

Combining Aid and Sustainability

Meals on Wheels has served vulnerable communities in South Africa for decades through food distribution programs while promoting long-term food security through community gardens and sustainable planting initiatives. The Mandela Month initiative successfully linked immediate food aid provision with long-term food security through the creation of sustainable vegetable gardens.

As part of this project, volunteers packed food parcels for needy families and planted vegetable seedlings, while collecting garden containers for beneficiary organizations with the support of program coordinators, Meals on Wheels facilitators, and community partners.

As part of Mandela Month, South African youth are demonstrating their activity by addressing issues that have long been discussed by adults. The national school curriculum allows teenagers to actively participate in solving social problems.

Mandela Day and its Significance

Mandela Day is observed on Saturday and is dedicated to the birthday of former President Nelson Mandela. This day calls upon South Africans to spend 67 minutes on charity—one minute for each year he dedicated to public service. This year's theme is 'The fight against poverty and inequality remains in our hands.'

Future Leaders Challenge Program

The Future Leaders Challenge program is conducted by AECI in collaboration with Primestars and YouthStart Foundation. Last year, it reached 8,216 students across five provinces. Participants presented 386 projects covering topics such as poverty, lack of hygiene facilities, gender-based violence, drugs, banditry, and elderly care.

Current Participant Achievements

The twenty-sixth round of the program is currently underway, which will conclude with a leaders' summit and the Future Leader Awards ceremony in October. Ten teams made it to the shortlist this year. One team developed the Student Helper application, which connects students with teachers, automatically checks homework, and motivates students. Another team, working on the Desk Revival Project, focuses on repairing damaged desks and chairs in schools instead of replacing them.

A student named Talenta Mbatata independently created a panic button application connected to local police stations. Other teams tackled topics rarely covered in schools. BKS Creative Hub uses art and music to discuss substance abuse and teenage banditry. The Her Rise project combines issues of poverty, gender-based violence, mental health, and the status of girls in STEM. The Hands of Change initiative aims to solve the problem of insufficient sanitation facilities in poor schools.

Prospects for Winners

Award recipients do not stop at achievement. Winners receive mentorship through Seed Academy to turn their school ideas into viable small businesses. Organizers are also considering providing seed grants, creating a network of mentors connecting students with AECI staff, and conducting follow-up checks after six to twelve months to assess the sustainability of these ideas. The organizers stated in their submission that 'this is not the end of the road, it is the beginning of real work.'