A meaningful way to spend your 67 minutes this Mandela Day
Every year, Mandela Day encourages South Africans to dedicate 67 minutes to making a difference. Yet many people are left wondering how to turn good intentions into meaningful action.
For Mandela Day 2026, Ladles of Love is providing a simple and impactful answer.
The organisation is inviting individuals, families, schools, communities and corporate teams to become Hands-On Heroes in support of the nutrition and education of 20,000 preschool children living in underserved communities across South Africa.
This year’s flagship volunteer events will take place at two major venues: DHL Stadium in Cape Town on 17 July 2026 and the Johannesburg Expo Centre on 22 July 2026.
Turning goodwill into practical action
Founded on the belief that small actions can create lasting change, Ladles of Love has designed an experience that allows volunteers to contribute directly to programmes that support early childhood development.
“Nelson Mandela reminded us that, ‘It is in your hands to create a better world for all our children.’ That line has real weight for us,” says Danny Diliberto, Founder of Ladles of Love.
“We want people to feel that their 67 minutes are not symbolic only. They are making something useful. They are helping feed small children. They are supporting preschool learning. They are part of something practical, joyful and deeply needed.”
Participants can choose from four dedicated activation zones, each designed to support children’s wellbeing, learning and development.
Four ways to make a difference
1. Make Zone
Volunteers can participate in the popular Sarmiethon challenge, creating as many sandwiches as possible within 67 minutes for vulnerable communities. Participants will also help pack nutrition boxes filled with carefully selected pantry essentials for preschool children.
2. Create Zone
This zone focuses on educational resources, allowing volunteers to create learning materials including flashcards, posters and activity workbooks that support early childhood education.
3. Craft Zone
Participants will make hands-on teaching aids such as puppets, bean bags and educational toys designed to bring learning to life through play, movement and creativity.
4. Grow Zone
Volunteers will build grow boxes filled with vegetable and herb seeds to support urban farmers who provide fresh produce to preschools, helping strengthen sustainable food systems within local communities.
A powerful team-building opportunity
The events are structured across four daily sessions at 09h00, 11h00, 13h00 and 15h00, making participation accessible for individuals and groups alike.
Corporate teams can also utilise the experience as a meaningful team-building initiative, with group booking options that include reserved seating, branding opportunities, meal packages, fast-track access and inspirational talks from Danny Diliberto.
How to get involved
Tickets are available through Ladles of Love and are structured as donations that directly support children’s nutrition.
Individual tickets cost R300 and help provide a child with two healthy meals per day. Discounted tickets for students and pensioners are available at R200, while corporate and group packages can be tailored to specific requirements.
All ticket purchases qualify for Section 18A tax certificates and CSI affidavits.
Building a better future, one act of kindness at a time
Since its beginnings as a small soup kitchen in Cape Town in 2014, Ladles of Love has grown into one of South Africa’s most respected hunger-relief organisations, providing nutritious meals and support to vulnerable communities nationwide.
This Mandela Day, your 67 minutes can help create lasting change for thousands of young children.
Become a Hands-On Hero and help nurture South Africa’s future leaders.
