Making a Positive Impact for Mandela Day
Mandela Day, celebrated annually on July 18th, is a day dedicated to honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela. The day serves as a global call to action, urging individuals and organisations to engage in acts of kindness and positively impact their communities. There is nothing quite like coming together on Mandela Day to help those less fortunate and to experience the ubuntu team spirit. This was the case for Mandela Day 2023, as over 100 Don’t Waste employees dedicated their 67 minutes to clean-up efforts across the country and a sandwich-making initiative, supported yearly by the group.
Clean-Up Efforts: 67 Minutes to make a difference
Our team volunteered their time and took to the streets and beaches to conduct clean-ups in various regions. In Cape Town’s picturesque Camps Bay, our teams got busy and picked up litter to preserve the beauty of the coastal area in the Western Cape. In KwaZulu-Natal, we set our sights on the Beachwood Mangroves, a vital ecosystem, where we worked tirelessly to remove debris and polystyrene that harms the delicate balance of nature.
Moving on to the Eastern Cape, our team supported the efforts of Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) by cleaning up this beach to protect coastal wildlife. Lastly, our team in Gauteng worked diligently to clean up Olievenhoutbosch Park to enhance the quality of the green spaces for the local communities.
We are proud of our nationwide efforts, having removed 467 kilograms of waste and responsibly sending 155 kilograms for recycling. In line with our commitment to protect the environment, we always sort and recover as many materials as possible from clean ups for recycling. This accomplishment reflects the power of collective action and how even seemingly small efforts can substantially improve the health of our environment.
KwaZulu-Natal Mandela Day
Gauteng Mandela Day
Western Cape Mandela Day
Supporting the Durban Jewish Club: A Nourishing Tradition
In addition to the clean-up activities, Don’t Waste demonstrated its commitment to the spirit of Mandela Day by contributing to the Durban Jewish Club’s sandwich-making initiative. This partnership has been a yearly tradition, and this year was no different. With the help of our head office team, 2400 sandwiches were thoughtfully prepared and donated, ready to serve as a nourishing meal for those in need.
The donated sandwiches were gratefully received by the Durban Jewish Club and distributed to beneficiaries from Eden schools and diverse members of the community facing challenging circumstances. Considering that one in ten South Africans face daily hunger, we are pleased to have made a small impact, yet recognise the need for continuous intervention.
Making Every Day a Mandela Day
Mandela Day may be over, but our efforts to clean up and protect the environment don’t stop here. Our Zero Waste Foundation, a non-profit established by the Don’t Waste management team, is committed to safeguarding the natural environment through ongoing clean-up initiatives across the country. As we strive to make a difference, we recognise the power of partnerships and warmly welcome collaboration. If you share our passion for environmental protection, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
“We can change the world and make it a better place.
It is in your hands to make a difference.”
Nelson Mandela
