Mandela Day, celebrated on 18 July, serves as a global call to action for individuals and organisations to take responsibility for changing the world. This day, honouring Nelson Mandela, the revered South African president and anti-apartheid icon, encourages people to dedicate 67 minutes to community service, symbolising Mandela’s 67 years of public service. In South Africa, where youth unemployment is at 45.5% and drug addiction affects an estimated 15% of the population, homelessness is a harsh reality for many. Studies show that globally, most people are just one salary or crisis away from living on the streets.
Recognising this shared vulnerability, Med-Lemon partnered with MES (Mould Empower Serve) at its Impilo Shelter in Jeppestown, Johannesburg, to bring comfort, care and warmth to young adults without shelter—reminding us all that restoring dignity starts with compassion. This initiative aligns perfectly with the spirit of Mandela Day, addressing humanitarian issues and supporting vulnerable groups in society.
Mandela Day and the power of collective action
In commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day, Med-Lemon’s initiative included the donation of 50 “Hero Blankets”—each handmade by staff from Med-Lemon and parent company Haleon, a global leader in consumer health. The team also served warm bowls of soup and bread to beneficiaries, embodying the day’s ethos of taking action to change the world.
“At Med-Lemon, we’ve long been trusted to bring warmth and relief to those battling colds and flu across the country,” said Bronwyn Hughes, Brand Manager for Med-Lemon at Haleon. “Through this heartfelt initiative, we’re honoured to extend that comfort in a more tangible way by providing warm, specially knitted blankets to the beneficiaries at Impilo. This public service activity is our way of celebrating Mandela Day and carrying forward Madiba’s legacy.”
Beyond just a donation, the effort included a knitting session that doubled as a skills development workshop, empowering participants with practical knowledge and meaningful connection. Hughes added, “We look forward to expanding this initiative across South Africa, reaching more communities and reminding people experiencing homelessness that they are seen, valued, and supported. This aligns with the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s vision of fostering social justice and addressing humanitarian issues.”
More than just a meal
MES, founded in 1986 in Hillbrow by the Dutch Reformed Church, has evolved from a soup kitchen into a beacon of structured support for the homeless. Their work exemplifies the ongoing impact of Mandela’s vision for a more equitable society.
“This shelter provides overnight and short-term accommodation for people in desperate need. For just R20, we offer a bed and three meals a day,” said Thabiso Ramasike, Acting CEO at MES. “But we realised early on that providing a meal alone isn’t enough. Homelessness strips people of their dignity. Our mission is to restore that dignity through structured programmes that equip individuals with life skills, psychosocial support, and ultimately, a path to reintegration.”
With shelters in Johannesburg, Kempton Park, Gqeberha, and Cape Town, MES works across the country to help people off the streets. Once individuals enter the shelter, social workers assess their needs and offer placement into six-week structured programmes that aim to rebuild independence and stability.
“At any given time, our shelters are housing 300–400 people overnight collectively. The idea is not to house more but to house fewer because they are exiting the system stronger and better off,” Ramasike added. This approach resonates with Mandela’s belief in empowering individuals to change their circumstances.
Mandela Day’s legacy lives on through partnerships
Nonhlanhla Zulu, Unit Leader for Outreach and Social Relief at Impilo Shelter, underscored the importance of external support. “When brands like Med-Lemon reach out, it means the world. Remember, we are a non-profit organisation; we can’t do this alone, and every bit of support goes a long way. And for our beneficiaries, it affirms that they haven’t been forgotten.”
As South Africans honour Mandela Day this July, Med-Lemon’s initiative demonstrates that even small acts of service—blankets stitched with care, meals served with dignity—can ignite lasting change. It is a reminder that by choosing to see, support, and uplift each other, we live out Madiba’s legacy not just for one day but every day.
The spirit of Mandela Day encourages everyone to participate in volunteer events and engage in community service. Whether it’s dedicating 67 minutes to a cause or embarking on longer-term projects, these actions collectively contribute to Nelson Mandela’s vision of a more just and equitable world. As we celebrated Mandela Day, let us remember that each of us has the power to take action and make a difference in our communities, just as Nelson Mandela did throughout his life.
