Join Ladles of Love this Mandela Day: a call to action for South Africa’s youth

As the school holidays draw to a close, while many teens are still tucked behind screens or deep into gaming marathons, Ladles of Love is urging South Africa’s youth to do something different this Mandela Day: “Log off your games and social feeds, and show up to help your country.”

The call is clear. This Mandela Day, on 18 July, young people are invited to step into Nelson Mandela’s powerful legacy by giving their time to help small children in need. Ladles of Love is pulling out all the stops this year with two large-scale volunteer events hosted at DHL Stadium in Cape Town and Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg.

These gatherings aren’t just about ticking off community service hours. They’re about showing young people that their time matters and that giving back is something to be proud of. Parents are encouraged to get involved too and to guide their children toward something meaningful and hands-on.

“Calling all parents and scholars who are looking for somewhere, and something meaningful to do for your ‘Community Service’ come and join us at our Mandela Day Events. You can do 8 hours of official volunteering with us and have fun doing good for good.”

“We need young South Africans to realise that giving back isn’t optional. It’s vital, as when you give your time, you’re helping to build the South Africa you want to live in,” Yolanda Jones, Programme Director at Ladles of Love, encouraged.

To support youth participation, Ladles of Love is offering a School Holiday Community Service Special. R500 for a full day (8 hours) of volunteering, or R300 for a half-day (4 hours). Each participant will receive a personalised certificate for school community service records. It’s a chance to learn, connect and contribute away from screens and inside a real community.

Volunteers will rotate through various “Activation Station Zones,” with options to make sandwiches and food buckets, create educational posters, craft comfort cushions and toys, or grow edible garden kits. Every activity directly supports preschool children in need.

Parents are encouraged to sign up their children or volunteer alongside them. Not only does it meet school requirements, but it also teaches empathy, responsibility and gratitude in a way that few school assignments can.

Time slots are flexible, with four options throughout the day: 9am to 11am, 11am to 1pm, 1pm to 3pm, and 3pm to 5pm. Scholars can book for either four or two activations via the Community Service Desk by emailing info@ladlesoflove.org.za.

General volunteers can book individual tickets for R250 at www.ladlesoflove.org.za, while large groups (20 or more) can get in touch via tickets@ladlesoflove.org.za.

This Mandela Day, the invitation is simple: get your hands busy with purpose. Whether it’s a cushion, a sandwich, or a colouring book, every act of care counts. Together, we can fight child food poverty one small deed at a time.

For more information and updates, follow Ladles of Love on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

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