Each year on Mandela Day, South Africans are encouraged to give 67 minutes of their time in service to others, honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of fighting for social justice. This year, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust proudly partnered with Gansbaai Tourism, CapeNature, and local volunteers for a meaningful clean-up in the heart of Masakhane.
Volunteers from different organizations such as Cape Sharks Adventures, Grootbos and the Overstrand Municipality rolled up their sleeves to clean the streets, public spaces, and surrounding environment—removing an impressive 1 900 kilograms of litter from the area. The clean-up not only beautified the neighbourhood but also contributed to public health and environmental resilience.
Under the 2025 Mandela Day theme, “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,” this initiative served as a reminder that restoring and protecting the environment is a critical part of building healthy, empowered communities. In many underserved areas, pollution disproportionately affects residents—leading to health risks, loss of biodiversity, and a diminished sense of pride in the place they call home.
