It might only be the beginning of Nelson Mandela Day, but this year’s Secret Scarf Mission is already wrapping things up in the warmest way by leaving special scarves scattered across South Africa.
South Africa (18 July, 2023) — Every year for the past 8, Carolyn Steyn and the Secret Scarf Mission have and continue to wrap parts of South Africa up in a kaleidoscope of handmade scarves. The scarves are not for decoration nor are they to keep trees cosy—they’re surprises intended to be taken by those who need the extra winter warmth with a special note:
‘ I am not lost. If you are cold and need me, please take me. Love, 67 Blankets xxx’.
2023 Flags an even more special Scarf Mission as ‘draping day’ (when all the scarves are placed and scattered in various parts of the country) because it coincides with Nelson Mandela Day, honouring the Day that got Carolyn Steyn’s epic pursuit to warm South Africa started.
The Secret Scarf Mission is driven by Carolyn’s initiative 67 Blankets for Mandela Day which came about as a promise to sew or crochet 67 blankets as part of a challenge by Zelda la Grange ten years ago.
Those 67 blankets have turned into thousands over the years, uniting avid knitters, crocheters and anyone who wants to do their part to make someone’s day (and winter) warmer. The Secret Scarf Mission acts as the cherry atop the knitted cake; serving as a highlight on many kindness calendars.
This year many KnitWits made the Secret Scarf Mission possible, including schools like St Teresa’s who aimed to contribute 300 scarf charms this year.
Spot the Secret Scarves!
- Rosebank Union Church, St Andrews Road (corner William Nicol Drive), Hurlingham (this includes donating scarves, beanie and blankets to the recyclers living alongside the church, as well as a soup kitchen)
- Witkoppen Clinic, William Nicol Drive, before Uranuim
- Weltevreden Park Clinic, on the corner of Hans Strydom and Jim Fouche Res Johannesburg
- Westville Methodist Church, 38 Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville, Durban
- Sturdee Ave Rosebank, from Rosebank Police Station Johannesburg
- Outside Transwerke Studios at 2 Sam Hancock Street, Parktown (at the bottom of Constitution Hill)
- Broadacres Drive to William Nicol, Fourways
- Mosaic, 96 Lungelo Street, Walmer, Gqeberha
- Mtfophi Primary School Daantjie, Mpumalanga