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Every year on 18 July, South Africans are invited to dedicate 67 minutes to helping others. The idea is beautifully simple: one minute for every year Nelson Mandela devoted himself to public service, even from his jail cell.
At dotsure.co.za, we believe those 67 minutes are about something even bigger; they’re about creating Soft Landings. Rather than measuring Mandela Day by how much we give, we measure it by the impact we have within our communities. Whether it’s a rescued puppy finding a forever home, a struggling family receiving nutritious meals, or women in need learning valuable new skills through Wild Mongoo, one of the community initiatives we support, every act of kindness gives someone the chance to land a little softer.
Why We Celebrate Nelson Mandela Day
Nelson Mandela devoted 67 years of his life to public service by fighting social injustice, advocating for equal human rights, and building a more compassionate South Africa. In 2009, the United Nations declared his birthday, 18 July, International Nelson Mandela Day, encouraging everyone, not just South Africans, to spend 67 minutes making a positive difference. This year’s theme continues Mandela’s call to action: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.” It reminds us that meaningful change doesn’t always require enormous resources. Sometimes all it takes is time.
Four Facts About Nelson Mandela That Still Inspire Us
While Madiba’s achievements – from his lifelong pursuit of equality to his enduring impact on human rights – are countless, these 4 facts about Mandela offer a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of the world’s greatest leaders.
- He spent 27 years imprisoned for fighting apartheid.
- He became South Africa’s first democratically elected president.
- He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
- He founded the Nelson Mandela Foundation after retiring.
Why 67 Minutes on Mandela Day Can Echo for Years
Time is one of the few gifts every person can give. Unlike money, expertise or possessions, almost everyone can spare one hour to do something meaningful. Those 67 minutes may seem small to you, but to someone waiting for help, it can mean everything. Nelson Mandela said that “There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time to help others without expecting anything in return.”
One hour doesn’t seem like much. Until…
- a rescue dog gets its first walk in weeks
- a hungry family receives food
- a lonely elderly person receives company
- abandoned pets receive warm blankets
How To Spend Your 67 Minutes this Madiba Day
You don’t need a huge budget or a grand gesture to make a meaningful difference this Madiba Day. There are countless ways to honour Madiba’s legacy through service. You could spend your 67 minutes walking rescue dogs, reading to children, helping prepare food parcels, cleaning a shelter, planting indigenous trees, or lending a hand at a community kitchen, every minute counts. If time is limited, consider visiting an elderly neighbour, donating blankets or other essentials, fostering an animal, or contributing whatever you can afford to a cause close to your heart.
Mandela Day Ideas for Families and Pet Lovers
Mandela Day is even more meaningful when shared. Children can learn empathy by helping shelter animals, collecting pet food, or creating toys for rescued pets. Families can spend an hour together making a difference, creating memories that last far longer.
If you’re an animal lover, your 67 minutes could be invested in bringing joy to one of the following organisations that are always open to receiving visitors.
Where to Volunteer in Johannesburg
| 7-Organisation | Volunteers can help by | Donations needed |
| Johannesburg SPCA | Walking dogs, playing with cats, assisting with fundraising and events (booking recommended) | Pet food, blankets, cleaning supplies, monetary donations (Jhb SPCA) |
| Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) Johannesburg | Animal care, adoptions, fundraising support | Pet food, blankets, medical funds and financial donations (aacl.co.za) |
| PETS Johannesburg (Pet Empowerment in Townships) | Feeding projects, fostering, township outreach, transport assistance | Pet food, veterinary support, blankets and monetary donations (PETS JHB) |
Where to Volunteer in Pretoria
| Organisation | Volunteers can help by | Donations needed |
| Woodrock Animal Rescue | Dog walking, animal enrichment, thrift store support and fundraising | Pet food, blankets, toys, veterinary sponsorships (Woodrock) |
| Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre | Walking dogs, cleaning kennels, events, adoptions | Food, bedding, cleaning products and financial support |
| Wollies Animal Project | Caring for dogs and cats, fundraising and adoption events | Pet food, blankets, toys and monetary donations |
Where to Volunteer in Cape Town
| Organisation | Volunteers can help by | Donations needed |
| Animal Welfare Society of South Africa | Walking dogs, helping in kennels, charity shop assistance, fundraising | Food, blankets, medical supplies and donations (awscape.org.za) |
| DARG (Domestic Animal Rescue Group) | Dog walking (after orientation), charity shop, fundraising events | Food, blankets, veterinary care, donations (DARG) |
| Animal Anti-Cruelty League Cape Town | Animal care, fostering, fundraising | Food, blankets, medical support (aacl.co.za) |
Where Else Will My 67 Minutes Make the Biggest Difference
| Organisation | Ways to volunteer |
| Ladles of Love | Pack food parcels, prepare meals, community outreach |
| Gift of the Givers Foundation | Disaster relief, food drives, humanitarian aid |
| The Nelson Mandela Foundation | Help pack 5,000 food hampers in Mandela Bay |
| South African National Blood Service (SANBS) | Donate blood or volunteer at blood drives |
| Reach For a Dream Foundation | Support children living with life-threatening illnesses |
| The Salvation Army South Africa | Soup kitchens, clothing drives and community outreach |
How Dotsure Creates Soft Landings
At dotsure.co.za,Mandela Day is one of the many ways we bring our purpose to life. Every year, our employees roll up their sleeves to pack nutritious food parcels for vulnerable South Africans, because every meal packed is another Soft Landing. But kindness isn’t something we reserve for a single day. It’s woven into everything we do throughout the year. We support organisations creating better futures for vulnerable pets and communities.
This includes:
- Welcoming Winnie, our newest Soft Landings ambassador
- Supporting AACL’s rescue efforts
- Fundraising for the Garden Route SPCA
- Promoting nationwide sterilisation drives that prevent future suffering
Your 67 Minutes Could Change a Life
It’s easy to think one hour isn’t enough. History says otherwise. Every movement begins with one person. Every rescue starts with one volunteer. Every family starts with one adoption. This Mandela Day, your 67 minutes could become someone’s fresh start.
