This year\u2019s Nelson Mandela Day celebration will take place on 18 July at the Meadowlands Welfare Centre in Zone 9, Soweto, where fathers and babies will gather for a transformative program centred on presence, bonding, and community support.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n
This year promises to be extraordinary as the program places a powerful spotlight on the importance of a father\u2019s presence in a child\u2019s earliest years. In a world where many children grow up without consistent paternal involvement, this gathering aims to celebrate, support and uplift fathers as essential pillars in early childhood development. To extend the impact beyond the walls of the venue, the event will be live\u2011broadcast, enabling people across the country to tune in and share in the spirit of Mandela Day.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n
\u201cIt is in your hands to make a difference.\u201d \u2014 Nelson Mandela<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n The day will feature a rich, interactive program designed to support, uplift, and equip fathers. Heartlines will screen “Playing Dad”<\/em>, a moving 20\u2011minute film that highlights the joy, healing and transformation found in father\u2011child play. The Flower Foundation will lead a hands\u2011on skills development session, teaching fathers how to plant vegetables using recycled materials as a practical and sustainable way to support family nutrition. HBF will guide a session on father\u2011child connection, strengthening emotional presence, bonding, and early development. Dance Spirit SA will introduce the spirit of dance to fathers and babies, bringing movement, joy, and shared expression into the circle. Fathers will also receive Cooking from the Heart recipe books from the Heart Foundation, Jars of Hope, and families will be supported with clothing for babies aged 0\u20132 years.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n To amplify the impact of this day, HBF invites corporate partners to support through contributions in several key areas. These include ingredients for Jars of Hope such as lentils, split peas, rice, stock cubes, stock powder, and empty glass coffee jars; supplies for the planting session including empty two\u2011litre Coke bottles, soil, and vegetable seeds; and refreshments in the form of 200 bottles of 500 ml water. Additional support is welcomed for meals consisting of soup, bread and a fruit for participating fathers and children; live broadcast technical support including livestream setup, cameras, microphones, data connectivity, and on\u2011site technical assistance; and second\u2011hand baby clothing for children aged 0\u20132 years.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n Nelson Mandela believed deeply in the power of nurturing relationships and community care. This year, his legacy is honoured by uplifting fathers and recognising that when a father is present, engaged and supported, a child\u2019s world expands with possibility.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n This Mandela Day, the commitment extends beyond 67 minutes. It is a commitment to connection, belonging and hope – one father, one baby, one moment at a time<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Hamba Bamba Funda (HBF), Heartlines, the City of Johannesburg, The Flower Foundation and Dance Spirit<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":366,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\nA Program Rooted in Connection, Care and Community<\/strong><\/u><\/u><\/h2>\n
A Call to Corporate South Africa<\/strong><\/u><\/u><\/h2>\n
Honouring Mandela\u2019s Legacy Through Presence<\/strong><\/u><\/u><\/h2>\n