It’s in Our Hands Now – Mandela Day with WIZO South Africa
Every year on 18 July, South Africans, and indeed people across the world, pause to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day. However, let’s be honest with ourselves, in South Africa, it’s not exactly a day off, it’s a day on. It’s a day where we roll up our sleeves, put our everyday routines aside, and do something for someone else.
At WIZO South Africa, that idea is close to our hearts because it’s what we do all year round. But Mandela Day gives us a special moment to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to what really matters: community, kindness, compassion, and collective action.
We’ve all heard the call: “67 minutes for Madiba.” One minute for every year Nelson Mandela spent in public service, whether fighting injustice, championing freedom, or leading South Africa into democracy. The truth is, once you start doing good, 67 minutes just isn’t enough. (We know this from experience!) However, here’s something special that many people don’t realise: in Jewish tradition, the number 67 has a deeper meaning, as well. In Gematria, the number 67 corresponds to the word “Binah” (בינה), which means understanding.
What a perfect connection for Mandela Day.
True service isn’t just about giving, it’s about understanding the needs of others, walking in their shoes, and offering help that uplifts with dignity and kindness. It’s about listening, learning, and acting from the heart. It’s that spirit of community, humility and service that makes Mandela Day so special. It’s not just about doing charity work; it’s about showing up with your whole heart, meeting people where they are, and leaving the world just a little bit better than you found it.
At WIZO South Africa, Mandela Day feels like home to us. We are agents of change, working together with HaShem for Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. Whether it’s helping vulnerable women escape cycles of abuse, supporting children in need, or raising funds for life-changing projects in both South Africa and Israel, WIZO’s mission is deeply aligned with Mandela’s values. We believe, as he did, that the power to transform society doesn’t lie with politicians alone; it lies with ordinary people like you and me.
As Mandela himself once said:
“It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now.”
At WIZO, our hands and hearts are always ready.
So, What Can You Do?
This Mandela Day, we invite you to:
- Donate food, clothing, or time to a local shelter
- Volunteer at a WIZO project or partner organisation
- Call someone who’s lonely and brighten their day
- Mentor a young person
- Collect supplies for an under-resourced school
- Simply perform one act of kindness that ripples out into the world
Remember, no act is too small. It’s not about perfection, it’s about participation. Get involved, stay involved, and let’s work together for lasting change.
We at WIZO South Africa are here to support you, cheer you on, and continue doing what we do best, which is building community, strengthening families, and bringing hope wherever we can.
With love and blessings,
Shelley Trope-Friedman
President, WIZO South Africa