Last reviewed: June 2026. We review our guides regularly to keep them accurate.
Helping others less fortunate is as easy as smiling and being friendly to donating things you do not use, to comfort someone in grief or volunteering at a charity In 2009 the United Nations officially declared the 18th of July to be Nelson Mandela Day, it was also Mandela’s birthday. Mandela day was not meant as a public holiday but as a day to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his values through volunteering and doing community service. Everyone can make an impact and has the power to transform the world, this is the celebration of Mandela day. According to Wikipedia the Mandela Day campaign message is: “Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes.” People should fight poverty and promote peace, reconciliation, and cultural diversity. Mandela day is about changing the world for the better an no matter how small your action, this will impact on others.Suggestions of what we can do to participate in this day and make the world a better place for all.
- Make up stationary packs for teachers at an under-resourced school
- Donate unwanted clothes and un-used items
- Make ‘care-kits’ (comb, toothbrush, soap, face cloth etc.) for patients at a nearby government hospital
- Make sandwiches to give to people living on the street
- Learn first-aid
- Give blood
- Become an organ donor
- Hold a teddy bear or book drive for a children’s home
- Pick up groceries or medicine for an elderly person
- Knit a blanket for someone in need
Charitable Organisations you could be supporting
- The Princess Project – they collect evening dresses/gowns to help matric students who do not have the means to get dressed for their matric farewell. You can help by donating any evening dress or ball gowns you no longer need. Visit princessproject.co.za.
- Huis Bethlehem – is an organisation based in Nelspruit and White River that provides a safe house to children who had to be taken from their parents. Contact them on [email protected]
- Kirsty Watts Foundation – was launched by Kirsty Watts when she was 14 years old, during her treatment and recovery from a malignant brain tumour. The foundation helps children who are in need, across a wide spectrum. Get more information at www.kirstywattsfoundation.org.za.
- Boyes Helping Hands – is a transition home in Cape Town for abused women and children. Contact them on boyeshelpinghands.co.za.
- Word Works – is a literacy programme for children that operates throughout SA. Contact them on wordworks.org.za.
- Woodside Sanctuary – provide caring home for people of ages with severe mental and physical disabilities in Johannesburg. Check out their site at woodside.co.za.
- The Durban Child and Youth Care Centre – is a charity organisation that caters for children from 2 to 18 years old. Visit dch.org.za
- Battling Kids – is a community feeding scheme in Soweto that gives back to those less fortunate. They feed, hand out food parcels, clean up and assist with a needs at old age homes, children’s homes in informal settlements – email: [email protected]
- Pet Pals – caring for stray and abandoned animals in East London. Visit elpetpals.co.za.
- Robin Hood Foundation – aims to help those less fortunate, they run programmes to help both the elderly and children. Visit robinhoodfoundation.co.za or mail [email protected].
