- Hundreds of Capetonians participated in Mandela Day activities by spending 67 minutes packing nutritional boxes and other items for vulnerable communities.
- The event, organised by Ladles of Love and held at The Lookout, aimed to break a world record with over 10,000 volunteers.
- Similar initiatives took place in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and worldwide, showcasing the spirit of Ubuntu and compassion.
Hundreds of Capetonians showed the true spirit of Ubuntu as they rolled up their sleeves to spend 67 minutes to pack nutritional boxes for vulnerable communities.
SEE MORE: Mandela Day 2024 events held in Cape Town
While political leaders were getting ready for the opening of parliament at the City Hall, the V&A Waterfront precinct was buzzing with activities as several organisations held initiatives to commemorate Mandela Day (18 July).
At The Lookout, food relief organisation Ladles of Love held the Ubuntu World Record-breaking event attempting to have the largest number of volunteers spending 67 minutes crafting and packing items for needy children.
Tickets
Volunteers had to buy tickets and select an hourly time slot between 09:00 and 17:00.
They could choose a ‘volunteer activation station’ from the list of options which included making sandwiches, filling buckets of hope, packing nutrition boxes, crafting toys, creating books and posters and innovating food garden kits.
Danny Diliberto, founder of the organisation, said they hoped to get over 10 000 people to do their 67 minutes.
“Last year we had 6 000 people. Throughout the next few months, we will be distributing these items to our various beneficiaries. Many acts of kindness create one huge impact of love.”
READ: More than 6 000 volunteers show spirit of Ubuntu during Ladles of Love Mandela Day event
Diliberto said similar events took place in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Those who could not attend had the option to create their own event. By purchasing a ticket, they were provided with a ‘how to guide’ to fill up their boxes from anywhere in the world. Volunteers had one goal: to put a smile on a child’s face.
Brenda Tumba, from Parow, represented the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa. She created books and posters.
Tumba said she loves working with vulnerable people. “I used to hand out some soup. I always had a heart for orphans. Doing something for children is a blessing. I find so much joy in doing something for them.”
Bridgette Dafonseca and her team from Cellucity based in Bo-Kaap crafted toys.
Buckets of hope
Family members Nicolette Carelse from Grassy Park, Mary Civego from Retreat and Shireen Stephens from Lotus River filled the buckets of hope.
Carelse said: “We always wanted to do it. This was our first time at this event. It’s an awesome experience. We will be back.”
At Makers Landing, food rescue organisation SA Harvest had a #BucketsofNutrition initiative where volunteers filled 10-litre buckets with nutritional items that were donated.
READ MORE: Annual ‘Sarmiethon’ sees 91 000 sandwiches made in just 6 hours to feed the vulnerable
Margolite Williams, partnership and procurement manager at SA Harvest, explained that each bucket contains items to the value of R500. She explained that the campaign will run until the end of the month. “We have created buckets that can feed a family for two weeks. Some donated money and we packed the buckets on their behalf, same packed them at home and dropped them off.
Williams said each bucket contains nutritional items.
“We have tinned fish, vegetables, rice, maize meal, beans and peanut butter. We also added some soap and toothpaste.”
The group of volunteers managed to pack 600 buckets. Williams said similar events took place in Durban and Johannesburg.
A difference
Volunteer Aneeqah Dollie said she joined the initiative to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people.
Alejandra Canete and Blanca Frasquet are currently visiting from Spain.
Canete said: “We love being part of this initiative. It’s very fulfilling. It feels good to be here.”
Artist Vuyo Oyiya was the master of ceremonies at the event.
She said: “We are celebrating Tata Madiba’s day and his legacy is compassion. This room is filled with people who have dedicated their time to say to South Africans, ‘not on my watch you won’t go to bed hungry’. It is such an honour to be here.”
According to Williams, they hope to do this annually.
