18 July – Mandela Day

By Daniëlle Gerber

Mandela Day is celebrated on Monday, 18 July. While Mandela Day is internationally known, it especially holds significance for South Africa. Nelson Mandela was part of the African National Congress (ANC) while they were fighting for democracy during the Apartheid era in South Africa. Mandela dedicated his life to fighting for human rights and became the South African president in 1994.

Mandela’s birthday, 18 July, has been chosen as Mandela Day. Each year, there are movements that motivate people to dedicate 67 minutes of their day towards doing good. 67 minutes – because Mandela spent 67 years fighting for freedom.

While Mandela Day is celebrated on this specific day (and there are many events organised for this day) there are also many opportunities outside of 18 July to be an active citizen in your community. As 18 July falls on a Monday – the same day that university starts and a working day for many people – it may not be possible to commit to 67 minutes, although it is encouraged.

Below, you can find a list of organisations that have extended opportunities to get involved outside of this Monday:

Carry6Packer x Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch

Figure 1: Carry6Packer x AWSS collaboration (source: @carry6packer)

Carry6Packer, in collaboration with Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS), is running a fundraiser for Mandela Day. You can contribute by:

  1. Making a donation through their Quicket profile – it is listed alongside other event tickets. 
  2. There will be a donation box outside of Wilgenhof Men’s Residence (on the corner of Ryneveld Street and Victoria Street) from 18 July until 22 July.
  3. AWSS will also be bringing dogs to this site during the week from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. – so catch them while you still can!
Figure 2: A list of places to buy Heartflow vouchers from (source: heartflow)

Stellenbosch Night Shelter

The Stellenbosch Night Shelter offers accommodation for homeless people. Homeless people can exchange a Heartflow voucher to secure a spot at the shelter. These vouchers can be bought around town, such as at the Neelsie or Paul Roos Kwikspar, Häzz or at the CoCreate Hub. These vouchers cost R10 and can be exchanged for a meal or one night’s stay at the shelter.

AWSS (Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch)

Lastly, AWSS has many volunteering opportunities – whether you would like to take a dog for a walk or be actively involved in kennel repairs, restoring cat scratching posts, or donating some pre-loved items to their charity shop. Reach out to them on 065 558 8591 to hear how you can utilise your 67 minutes.

Stellenbosch is full of opportunities for you to get involved, whether on Mandela Day or within your weekly or monthly schedule. Three non-profit organisations, open for volunteering, were listed here, but there are many more! Volunteering options are not always advertised, but it cannot hurt to get in contact with a local organisation and see how you can contribute.