Mandela Day 2025: Cape Town shows up to honour Madiba's legacy

Every year on July 18, people across the globe dedicate 67 minutes to service in honour of the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent fighting for justice and human rights. What began as a birthday tribute in 2008 has become a global movement, officially recognised by the United Nations and first celebrated in 2010. This year’s theme saw a call for solidarity from the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Here’s how Cape Town answered that call. 

The spirit of Mandela Day is alive at Kamva Labantu, where a steady stream of supporters from corporate teams beading Relate Bracelets to generous donors and walk-in volunteers came together to make a difference. Ikamva Labantu’s Senior Clubs offer vital support to older adults, including healthcare, nutrition, legal aid, and home-based care for the bedridden. In partnership with Relate Bracelets since 2011, the clubs also give elders the chance to supplement their pensions by crafting cause-related bracelets.

KFM's Tracey Lange joined in on the day, raising awareness of the daily struggles faced by these elderly Capetonians. Ishrene Davids, Director of Ikamva Labantu stated, “They fought for freedom but remain vulnerable to abuse and neglect. It’s time we honour their ongoing contribution and work towards real, lasting change.”

At DHL Stadium this Mandela Day, Capetonians were invited to add their fingerprint and pledge to be a #LoveActivist. With 43 canvases completed in a bid to create a vibrant 20sqm mural celebrating South Africa’s flora, fauna, and shared hope for a brighter future. Once completed, the mural will be laid out on the pitch as a symbol of unity before being donated to preschools across the country to uplift and inspire young minds.

Volunteers of all ages poured creativity into crafting educational posters and handmade books for preschoolers. Bursting with colour and care, every creation is destined to inspire and support a child in need — proving that love can power learning. 

Across 26 libraries, the City of Cape Town is running its annual #Coding4Mandela tournament, where young coders use offline-friendly apps like TANKS, RANGERS and a new game Juicy Gems to develop logic and problem-solving skills. Winners will go on to represent Cape Town at the national finals in August.  Coding is a project of the Nelson Mandela University Computing Sciences Department and the Leva Foundation, while Tangible Africa is responsible for creating offline coding applications using minimal resources. 

Cape Town's Environmental Management Department hosted guests from vulnerable communities for a special tour of the Mandela and The Attic exhibitions at City Hall. The exhibit is a powerful reminder of Madiba’s first public address from the building’s balcony in 1990. In addition to linking visitors to the legacy of Madiba, the exhibition recognises the invaluable contributions of other Capetonians who were involved in the liberation struggle, including Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Cissie Gool and Ashley Kriel. Over 16,000 people have visited the permanent exhibition, developed with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and initially opened in December 2021. 

Elsewhere, the City of Cape Town assisted with hospice care packages in Helderberg, taught fire safety to kids at a Delft daycare, and even joined in netball matches at a Khayelitsha school.

And of course, fur-babies were also part of the mix as people offered 67 minutes of joy for rescue dogs, followed by a free cup of coffee at Time Out Market's Nosh. 

There's still a chance to get involved this weekend with the following events: 

Songs for Freedom, a Mandela Day fundraiser will be taking place at St George's Cathedral in the CBD - but you can still donate or live stream the event via this link. 

Mandela Day Walk & Run 2025 (with Virtual Mandela Day Walk & Run option)

Lace-up for the annual Mandela Day Walk & Run taking place on Saturday, 19 July 2025, with 5km, 10km, and 21km routes starting from 07:30. Entry fees range from R100 to R200, and all participants will receive a finisher’s medal. Race number collection takes place on 17 and 18 July at the venue.

Runners can also earn Discovery Vitality points—300 for 5km, 600 for 10km, and 1,500 for 21km. Commemorative t-shirts are available online when registering. (Note: No pets allowed on race day.)

Can't make it in person?  Join the virtual race from anywhere on Sunday, 20 July 2025 - Register to complete a walk or run and connect globally.