Mandela Day Initiative

For Mandela Day 2024, I was part of the 67Blankets for Mandela Day, “Secret Scarves SHH” Initiative. We handed out scarves to homeless and underprivileged people in Braamfontein. I chose to be part of this initiative as it embodies the spirit of Nelson Mandela and because this initiative was started in honour of Madiba.

The 67 Blankets for Mandela Day was initiated by Carolyn Steyn in 2014 to continue the legacy of Nelson Mandela. Each year, women all over South Africa get together and knit or crochet blankets and scarves, which get distributed to schools, creches, retirement villages, emergency-stricken areas, etc This year in particular blankets were distributed to the flood stricken KZN and Eastern and Western Cape.

On the 18th of July 2024, we went to Reserve Street in Braamfontein for the “Secret Scarves SHH” Initiative. Hundreds of scarves were draped around trees and poles in the street. These scarves were taken by homeless people, like the car guards in the area, as well as people that walked home from work. I was grateful to be part of this amazing initiative. It was heartwarming seeing the expression on the faces of people in need when receiving the scarves. To them the scarves that they received meant warmth and shelter from the cold. They also felt loved and cared for. In fact, that is how they expressed their gratitude.

The lesson that I learnt was if you really want to make a difference, you will make time for whatever it is and put effort into it. I had to make time in between work and other responsibilities to finish these scarves and blankets. It also gave me an opportunity to reignite my love for knitting again. I also learnt a new skill of crocheting blankets.

I got involved in this initiative representing Mrs Bold South Africa. I hope to continue this relationship between Mrs Bold South Africa and 67Blankets for Mandela Day and that another Finalist would take over where I started.