As commemorations of former president Nelson Mandela’s legacy continue during Mandela Month, the University of Pretoria (UP) has initiated a blanket donation campaign with the aim of distributing these blankets to shelters, homeless people, and vulnerable students.

 Gernia van Niekerk, Unit Manager for Community Engagement at UP and the driver of the campaign, said, “We are trying to provide blankets for those who are most in need and cannot in any way buy blankets for themselves.”

 The campaign started Youth Day, 16 June 2021, and runs until the end of August. Blankets can be dropped off at 384 Festival Street, Hatfield, better known as Moja Gabedi.

 Van Niekerk said approximately 100 blankets had been collected by mid-July. “We are grateful to everyone who has donated thus far.”

 UP community members and anybody who’d like to help can drop their donation in a container set up at Moja Gabedi.

 Speaking to the importance of giving back during Mandela Month, van Niekerk said: “Mandela Month encourages me to continuously contribute to changing the world for the better. It is important for students and other UP community members to try to honour Madiba's legacy with some practical action this month, because we have a responsibility to make an impact to transform the world. Supporting the vulnerable is part of UP’s culture.”