Mandela Day is just around the corner, and if you need a little inspiration on how to spend your 67 minutes this year, here are five organisations that could use your helping hand in spreading the spirit of Ubuntu and making a positive difference.
South Africa (04 July 2025) – This week officially ushered in every “do-gooder’s” favourite month of the year: Mandela Month.
It is the month that invites South Africans from all walks of life to follow our late hero, Nelson Mandela’s, example and spread kindness, exercise humility, and lift one another through acts big and small.
Several incredible organisations will be doing various activities in and around their communities to support those with needs that can be significantly met with compassion and collective action. Each week leading up to Mandela Day, we’ll be compiling a list of causes to support. Here are the first five:
1. Do More Foundation
The Do More Foundation, a non-profit organisation with a vision to create better tomorrows for young children and families, is calling on South Africans to take action for young children by helping to build climate-resilient early learning or Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in underserved communities in nine rural areas across the country.
With many under-resourced ECD centres operating in extreme heat without shade or clean water, with poor infrastructure that can’t support children’s growth, health or safety, they need all the help with upgrades.
Their campaign invites corporate volunteers to dedicate their 67 minutes to assembling Climate Resilience Play Packs. These interactive games teach 2- to 5-year-olds about weather, seasons, and basic climate change concepts in an age-appropriate and hopeful way.
If you can’t volunteer in person, consider sponsoring a Play Pack for R67 or even a full ECD centre upgrade.
Your support will transform under-resourced centres into safer, cooler, and more joyful spaces for learning and play.
To get involved or for more information, visit the website or contact their Fundraising Coordinator at kris.fenton@domore.org.za
2. The Angel Network
Every year on Mandela Day, The Angel Network’s Hearts Build Homes initiative builds homes for families that have lost everything to fires and floods. This year is no different, and the organisation is appealing to corporates and/or individuals who would like to get involved by donating a home or two.
This year, they’re appealing to corporations and individuals to help them continue this vital work.
For R20,000, you can gift a family of four a two-bedroom aluminium structure, fully furnished with mattresses, bedding, cutlery, crockery, and a stove. This initiative provides more than just a roof; it offers dignity and a place to call home.
If you’re ready to make a difference, email Glynne at glynne@theangelnetwork.co.za
3. Hamba Bamba Funda
Hamba Bamba Funda (HBF) is hosting 67 mothers and 67 babies for 67 minutes as part of their Thriving Together campaign on July 29, 2025, at the Meadowlands Welfare Centre, Zone 9, Soweto.
Guest speakers and experts will highlight the crucial importance of caregiver-child relationships and emotional regulation. The program also includes a skills development session and an interactive session led by Monja Boonzaier (HBF), with Fikele Poka from Heartlines (Fathers Matter) as MC.
HBF is seeking sponsorship and support for materials like wool, knitting needles, beading supplies, and toy-making materials for their skills development activities.
For sponsorship inquiries or participation details, contact Monja Boonzaier at Monja.boonzaier@hambabambafunda.org
4. Teddy Bear Foundation South Africa
This Mandela Day, 18 July 2025, the Teddy Bear Foundation will open its doors to the public for a special glimpse into their Court Room. This unique opportunity, with sessions at 11 am and 2 pm at their offices, allows you to witness how they prepare children for their court journeys and learn how you can support these vulnerable young ones.
The charity is seeking support with R67 donations for refreshments (tea, coffee, long-life milk, sugar, disposable cups, biscuits) to comfort the children. Blankets are also desperately needed to warm little bodies and soothe hurting hearts. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps them protect and empower vulnerable children.
To book your spot, email daleneb@ttbc.org.za
5. Tears Animal Rescue
And for the animal lovers, the Tears Animal Rescue could use your help to feed some furry friends in need.
The organisation is on a mission to raise funds for 13 tonnes of dog and cat food: 6 tonnes for cats and 7 tonnes for dogs! Their “Feed Hungry Pets Mandela Day” campaign aims to provide supplemental pet food to low-income families who love their animals but struggle to meet their nutritional needs.
This initiative is about more than just filling pet bowls; it’s about dignity, compassion, and keeping beloved pets in their homes and out of shelters. By supporting Tears, you’re helping maintain the bond between pets and their families.
To support the initiative, visit the GivenGain page here.
Sources: Multiple Links
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