The new South Africa’s debt to former president Nelson Mandela is astronomical. The freedom fighter turned president paved the way for democracy and equality that were previously inaccessible to the majority of the country.

Every year on Mandela’s birthday, 18th July, South Africans take 67 minutes out of their day to do charitable work. The 67 minutes represent Mandela’s 67-year commitment to fighting for freedom. Coming together and working towards a common good is a way of engaging the ideal of “the new South Africa” and keeping the spirit of Mandela alive.

While South Africa has made significant strides, it is not a perfect nation, and Mandela Day is a time to reflect on both.

Water for Nelson Mandela Day

Symbolising both how far South Africa has come and how far the country still needs to go, water takes centre stage on Mandela Day. Water is still not accessible to every single South African, and our water systems face serious problems such as pollution and climate change.

Every year, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) asks the public to engage in river cleanups under the Clear River Campaign.

This year, 2025, Taryn Johnston of the Hennops Revival and Deep Water Movement, both NPOs which focus on water conservation and clean-ups in South Africa, calls upon those who wish to make a tangible difference on Mandela Day to join her and her team for a river clean-up.

Cleaning South Africa’s rivers is not just a passion for Taryn but a necessity for the country’s social and environmental goals. Volunteering at Hennops Revival is not just a Mandela Day event, and if you want to get involved, contact warren@hennopsrevival.co.za.

Another river clean-up initiative led by the Hlanzekile River and Ocean Cleaning Project, NPOs that seeks to keep South African communities healthy and clean, are calling upon volunteers to assist in cleaning Klip River in Soweto this Mandela Day

Water is the chance to get your hands dirty and be involved in making a real difference to communities this Mandela Day..