Acts of service look different for everyone, whether you’re creative, have green fingers or are simply passionate about helping other humans in need. To celebrate Madiba Day, we’ve listed some non-profit organisations and charities in South Africa that you can support. Here’s to making a difference wherever and however you can, with just 67 minutes.

What Is Madiba Day?

South Africans celebrate Madiba Day on July 18th to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy and his impact on our nation.

On this day, people are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes to community service, symbolising each year Mandela spent fighting for human rights and the abolishment of apartheid. Activities can range from volunteering, community clean-ups and supporting local charities to participating in educational events and acts of kindness. The significance of the 67 minutes serves as a reminder that everyone has the power to make a positive impact, however small or big.

Local Charities

Show your support to these local charities this Madiba Day.

Abalimi Bezekhaya

Abalimi Bezekhaya, meaning ‘farmers of the home’ in isiXhosa, has been doing groundbreaking stuff since 1982. This developmental organisation focuses on small-scale urban farming to reduce the impacts of food insecurity. They provide knowledge and tools to people in the Cape Flats and surrounding areas to create home and community vegetable gardens. Support them by donating or volunteering at one of their community garden centres at Khayelitsha or Nyanga.

Get involved: Community Outreach | Donate
Location: 20 Boston Circle, Airport Industria North, Cape Town
Contact: 021 371 1653 | WhatsApp: 064 731 8235 | Email

abalimibezekhaya.org.za | Instagram

---

Call 2 Care

Call 2 Care is a non-profit organisation assisting vulnerable communities through employment initiatives, various outreach programmes and socially conscious events. Join their monthly Paint & Sip fundraisers at unique locations, where you can get creative, enjoy delicious food and sip wine while supporting a great cause – all proceeds go to Call 2 Care. Other outreach projects include winter blanket drives, gardening projects and more.

Get involved: Volunteer | Donate | *Visit their website for more info
Location: Esplanade Road, Century City, Cape Town
Contact: Email

call2care.org.za | Facebook | Instagram

---

CANSA

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), based in South Africa, is a leading charity dedicated to the fight against cancer. Established in 1931, CANSA offers many services aimed at cancer research, education and patient care. The organisation provides vital support to cancer patients and their families, including counselling, health awareness programs and support groups. There are many ways to help this organisation…

Get Involved: Volunteer | Shop to Support | Donate | Partner
Location: View Care Centres
Contact: 0800 22 6622 (Toll-free Line) | Email

cansa.org.za | Facebook | Instagram

---

Greenpop

Greenpop strives for a greener Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past 14 years, this incredible non-profit organisation has seeded over 200 000 trees, and counting. Through environmental awareness projects, urban and food gardening and restoration efforts, they are ‘greening grey spaces’. Get your hands dirty this Madiba Day and join them while enjoying nature.

Get involved: Madiba Day projects | Volunteer | Donate | Partner
Location: 17 Commercial Street, Cape Town (HQ) | Opposite 107 Mountain Road, Woodstock, Cape Town (Eco-Education Hub)
Contact: 071 687 5262

greenpop.org | Facebook | Instagram

---

Help a Girl

Period poverty affects thousands living in impoverished communities in South Africa, as a result, schoolgirls miss out on vital education due to a lack of access to hygienic products. Help a Girl aims to reduce the impacts of period poverty by equipping young girls with sanitary towels, and knowledge. Founded in 2017 by Cape Town-based social worker, Abongile Kwaza, and partner, Sinesipho Sibuta, the campaign seeks to empower young girls through their mentorship programme – which helps girls navigate puberty, menstruation and beyond. Want to join the cause? Help a girl and get in touch with their team…

Get involved: Donate sanitary towels
Contact: 073 675 5506 | Email

helpagirl.org.za | Facebook | Instagram

---

Ikamva Youth

Image source: Ikamva Youth

Ikamva Youth is a dynamic charity committed to empowering South Africa’s youth through education. Founded in 2003, the organisation aims to equip high school learners from under-resourced communities with skills, knowledge and support. Through a comprehensive program that includes tutoring, mentoring, career guidance and workshops, Ikamva Youth fosters a culture of learning and achievement.

Get Involved: Volunteer | Donate
Location: 47 Westminster Road, Salt River (Cape Town head office) | Signal House, 595 Andries Street (Pretoria office)
Contact: 021 820 7444 (Cape Town) | 012 753 2166 (Pretoria)

ikamvayouth.org | Facebook | Instagram

---

Isabelo – Feeding Hungry Minds

Image source: Isabelo Facebook

Founded by culinary doyen and award-winning chef, Margot Janse, Isabelo provides nutritious meals to schoolkids. Janse, who ran her restaurant in Franschhoek at the time, noticed the economic disparity affecting neighbouring communities, with children often going to school hungry. Alongside a dietician, Janse created highly nutritious muffins to supply to schoolkids, as well as healthy breakfasts and warm lunches. Every Madiba Day, Isabelo invites the public to contribute to this amazing cause. Spend your 67 minutes by sponsoring non-perishables and warm clothes, or supporting their online shop.

Get involved: Madiba Day projects | Donate
Location: Franschhoek
Contact: 082 871 9635 | Email

isabelocharity.com | Facebook | Instagram

---

Nakhlistan

After 41 years of feeding the needy, Muslim-based non-profit organisation, Nakhlistan, continues to provide sustenance to poverty-stricken communities throughout the Western Cape. Through their soup kitchens and the Nakhlistan Eid-ul Fitr Feeding Scheme, they feed hundreds of thousands annually. Help donate to this incredible cause at the link below.

Get Involved: Donate
Location: 45 Murton Road, Rylands Estate, Cape Town
Contact: 021 633 4016

nakhlistan.org.za | Facebook | Instagram

---

Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust

Established in 1976, Rape Crisis is one of the longest-standing organisations that advocate for women’s rights against sexual violence and adult rape. They offer trauma counselling to rape survivors and educate women on reporting rape cases. Volunteers can provide help by counselling or becoming a community educator at one of their three offices in Cape Town; they host volunteer training courses for each of the three programmes. Financial donations and care packages are some ways you can help this Madiba Day.

Get involved: Volunteer & Donate
Locations: 23 Trill Road, Observatory | 335a Klipfontein Road, Gatesville | 89 Msobomvu Drive, Khayelitsha
Contact: 021 447 1467 (Observatory) | 021 684 1180 (Athlone) | 021 361 9228 (Khayelitsha) | 021 447 9762 (24-hour helpline) | Email

rapecrisis.org.za | Facebook | Instagram

---

SANCCOB

Image source: SANCCOB Facebook

Dedicated to rehabilitating wildlife, SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) focuses on protecting the African penguin and other conservation species. Founded in 1968, SANCCOB has become a critical local rescue organisation in preserving biodiversity. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the survival of many sea life species, guarding the safety of future generations.

Get Involved: Volunteer Programmes | Donate
Location: 22 Pentz Drive, Table View, Cape Town, Western Cape | Cape Recife Nature Reserve, Marine Drive, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Contact: 021 557 6155 (Cape Town) | 0)41 583 1830 (Gqeberha) | Email

sanccob.co.za | Facebook | Instagram

---

TEARS Animal Rescue & Relief

TEARS Animal Rescue and Relief is a haven for pets in need of homes, rehabilitation and care. Since opening in 1999, they have facilitated more than 720 adoptions and over 7,500 sterilisations per year. But managing an animal shelter requires a substantial amount of effort. In honour of Madiba Day, they are making it simple for volunteers to get involved with a range of activities. Spend your 67 minutes gardening, painting, helping with DIY projects and other activities with friends, family or co-workers. Can’t join in? Support their online shop, donate or adopt.

Get involved: Volunteer | Adopt | Shop | Donate
Location: View locations
Contact: 021 785 4482 | Email

tears.org.za | Facebook | Instagram

There are thousands of non-profit organisations and charities in South Africa; if you’re looking for a cause to support, simply scout on VolunteerMatch.