Libraries in Cape Town Celebrate Mandela Day with Community Service Initiatives - Cape Town Today

We value your privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies.

Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Powered by Cookieyes logo

Libraries in Cape Town Celebrate Mandela Day with Community Service Initiatives

by
1 min read
mandela day community service

Libraries in the City of Cape Town are commemorating Mandela Day by organizing community-focused activities. These events aim to unite people and instill a sense of service and compassion in their communities.

The Significance of Mandela Day

Mandela Day is celebrated annually on July 18 to honor the birthday of Nelson Mandela, the former South African President and global icon. The United Nations designated this date as “Nelson Mandela International Day” in 2010 to inspire people worldwide to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to supporting a charity or service in their communities.

Librarians at the Forefront of Community Initiatives

Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, acknowledges the librarians’ dedication to nation-building every day. She encourages patrons to support these events and the librarians leading these community initiatives.

Community-Focused Activities

The libraries have organized a diverse range of activities catering to people of all ages. Some of the events taking place include:

  • Teen knitting session at Scottsdene Library
  • Storytelling session with libraries’ mascot LiBee, followed by arts and crafts at Lotus River Library
  • Soup kitchen and talk at the Kensington Home of the Aged, hosted by Kensington Library
  • Drug abuse awareness talk at Macassar Library
  • Community parking lot clean-up at the multi-purpose center, organized by Fisantekraal Library
  • Soup kitchen at the Masakhane Old Age Home, with storytelling and arts and crafts activities for children at Philippi East
  • Community storytelling and arts session, accompanied by soup and bread, at Huguenot Square
  • Soup kitchen at the Freedom Farm informal settlement, coordinated by Belhar Library
  • Vegetable garden planting at Scottsdene Library
  • Soup and sandwich handouts at Otter Library
  • Beach clean-up led by Gordon’s Bay Library
  • Breakfast and coffee giveaways at Observatory Library
  • 67-minute visit with seniors of Home Morea, along with a soup kitchen at Lotus River Library
  • Collaboration between Brackenfell Library and Brackenfell Clinic to engage with mothers and young children visiting the clinic
  • “Golden Oldie” movie day at Durbanville Library

Honoring Mandela’s Legacy

These community service initiatives exemplify the essence of Mandela Day and the spirit of unity, compassion, and community service. Libraries across Cape Town are coming together to celebrate Mandela’s legacy and offer an ideal platform for individuals to participate in positive initiatives.

Tags:

You might be interested in

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

poca drug enterprise Cape Town
Previous Story

South Africa’s First Drug Enterprise Conviction Under Poca

south african football player transfers Cape Town
Next Story

Mamelodi Sundowns Successfully Sign SuperSport United’s Thapelo Maseko

Latest from Blog

vaping south african teenagers adolescent health risks

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

south african agriculture agoa trade impact

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

ashley oosthuizen thailand drug laws

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

saps officers missing hennops river tragedy

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

cape town boatbuilding maritime industry

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.