THE winter, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day is weaving even more magic into its mission, delivering not only hand-crafted blankets to those in need but also celebrating the 10th anniversary of its cherished Secret Scarves initiative on July 18th.
July in South Africa is celebrated as Nelson Mandela Month, a time to commemorate the enduring legacy of our beloved former President, Nelson Mandela.
For the passionate KnitWits® of 67 Blankets For Nelson Mandela Day, it’s another opportunity to share warmth and kindness through the Secret Scarf Shhh initiative. Now in its 10th year, this vibrant, heart-warming campaign spreads “GoodWool” across the nation.
Carolyn Steyn, the founder, shares, “The 10th anniversary of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day is a truly remarkable milestone. I could never have imagined the incredible momentum our Secret Scarves initiative would gain over the years. Over the past decade, our KnitWits have lovingly crafted and distributed thousands of scarves, each one a thread of hope and warmth for someone in need. This campaign has not only warmed bodies but also hearts, making a profound difference in communities across South Africa and inspiring a movement of kindness that continues to grow.”
On Nelson Mandela’s birthday, July 18th, thousands of lovingly hand-knitted scarves will appear in secret spots nationwide.
Each scarf, crafted with care, will bear a special 67 Blankets tag that reads: “I AM NOT LOST. IF YOU ARE COLD AND NEED ME, PLEASE TAKE ME. With LOVE, 67 BLANKETS FOR NELSON MANDELA DAY,” urging those in need to take it to stay snug.
The Secret Scarves mission blends creativity and compassion, showcasing the warmth of our makers and inviting new friends to join our knitting and crochet movement.
#SSS #67blankets
VENUES FOR 18TH JULY 2025
GAUTENG:
Port Plein Park, Johannesburg 11:30
- With Johannesburg Inner City Partnership, City Sightseeing Bus / Red Bus, Stuttaford van Lines / United Ethiopian Community Association in South Africa
Dainfern College
96 Broadacres Dr, Dainfern 14:00
Hyde Park Corner (a display of scarves until 26 July)
Cnr Winnie Mandela & Jan Smuts Dr –
St Columbus Soup Kitchen
45 Lurgan Rd, Parkview 08:00
St Francis Soup Kitchen
46 Tyrone Avenue, Parkview 12:00
Forest Farm
Cnr Winnie Mandela & Republic Rd 10:00
Mushroom Farm Park
Sandton 14:00/15:00
West Rand Oncology Dept
Flora Clinic, Floracliffe, Roodepoort 07:45
WESTERN CAPE – CAPE TOWN:
Southfield Library
Cassino Road, Plumstead 10:00
FF Erasmus Community Hall
9 Aandblom St, Peerless Park West 10:00
Grassy Park Library
Market Square, Reddy Ave, Grassy Park 15:00
Long Beach Mall
Sunnydale Rd, Noordhoek 10:00 -14:00
Howard Centre
Cnr Howard and Forest Drive, Pinelands 10:00
St George’s Cathedral
5 Wale Street, Cape Town 13:00
WESTERN CAPE – STELLENBOSCH:
Idas Valley Day Clinic
Hammandshand Way, Simonswyk 9:00
WESTERN CAPE – KNYSNA
Vermont Old Age Home
Gladstone St, Hornlee TBC
WESTERN CAPE – MOSSEL BAY:
Skarrel Huise in Grootbrak
89 Montagu St 10:00 starts and moves to those below
SASSA Offices
108 Adriaans Avenue, Asla Park TBC
Rural Areas FREIMERSHEIM & WOLWEDANS TBC
EASTERN CAPE – GQEBERHA
Provincial Hospital
Buckingham Rd, Mount Croix 15:00
MPUMALANGA – MBOMBELA:
Thandulwazi Primary School
Ubhejane St, Kanyamazane-A, Kanyamazane 13:00
FREE STATE-BLOEMFONTEIN
War Museum
25 Monument Rd, Generaal De Wet 12:00
KWA-ZULU NATAL – 17TH JULY
*Dennis Hurley Centre 9:30
2 Cathedral Rd, Durban Central
VENUES WITH ALTERNATIVE DATES:
GAUTENG: 17 JULY 2025
*Midrand West Clinic & Anton Hartman Park
Halfway Gardens 15:00
WESTERN CAPE – CAPE TOWN: 5TH & 12TH JULY:
*Howard Centre
Cnr Howard and Forest Drive, Pinelands 10:00
WESTERN CAPE – CAPE TOWN: 16TH JULY
*Landsdowne Public Library
Church Street, Landsdowne TBC
WESTERN CAPE – GEORGE: 17TH JULY:
*SHYDAC (Safe Haven for Your Development and After Care)
46 John Kretzen St, Blanco 12:00-14:00
FREE STATE-BLOEMFONTEIN – 12TH JULY
*Susanna Wesley Bicentenary Methodist Church
Circuit 536 Bloemfontein 10:00
Image (Leading by example. Carolyn Steyn, the founder, says the 10th anniversary of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day is a truly remarkable milestone).
