Mandela Day Initiative

At the Bitou 10 Foundation (B10F), we proudly participate in the annual Mandela Day initiative, honouring the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. As an educational NGO in the Bitou area, we understand the profound impact that community service and collective action can have on shaping a better future for all. Each year, on 18 July, we take part in the global celebration of Mandela’s birthday, dedicating 67 minutes of service to a meaningful project that directly benefits our local schools and communities.

Our Journey: The Cadbury School Development Initiative (CSDI)

The Bitou 10 Foundation’s journey began with the inspiring Cadbury School Development Initiative (CSDI), which was initiated in response to a call by former South African president Nelson Mandela. He invited Cadbury to support a transformative education project by supplying seed funding and organisational skills. This collaboration marked the beginning of a long-term commitment to enhancing education in South Africa and directly led to the establishment of the Bitou 10 Foundation.

Mandela’s personal involvement and his vision for improving the education system in the country resonate deeply with us. Mandela Day, for us, is more than a day of service; it is a time to reflect on the spirit of collaboration and community that started with the CSDI. It reminds us of the need to continue supporting education in honour of the values and principles Madiba upheld throughout his life.

Our Mandela Day Projects

The Bitou 10 Foundation has been an active participant in Mandela Day since its inception, leveraging the day as an opportunity to make a tangible, long-term difference. Through a combination of community sponsors, volunteers, and the generous support of donors, we fund and execute various educational projects within the eleven Western Cape Education Department (WCED) schools in the Bitou area.

Our contributions over the years have included:

• 2019: A new Grade R and Grade 1 playground at Wittedrift Primary School, offering young learners a safe and stimulating space for play and development.

• 2020: The purchase of memory sticks for Grade 6 and 7 learners to assist with their studies during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that education could continue even amidst the challenges of remote learning.

• 2021 & 2022: Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we missed the opportunity to complete our usual projects during these years.

• 2023: The upgrading of the Formosa Primary School library, enhancing the learning environment and making educational resources more accessible to students.

• 2024: A Grade R playground upgrade at Harkerville Primary School and painting activities on the paving at Wittedrift Primary to improve the school grounds.

• 2025: We plan to continue our work with a Grade R playground upgrade to ensure that our youngest learners have the best possible start.

Why Mandela Day Matters

Mandela Day, observed every year on 18 July, is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to reflect on Nelson Mandela's values and principles, and to contribute to the betterment of society. The day is more than a commemoration of Madiba's life; it is an opportunity for collective action to create lasting change.

The idea of "67 Minutes of Service" stems from the calculation that Nelson Mandela spent 67 years of his life serving social justice causes — from his activism and mobilisation efforts to his time in prison and his presidency. While this slogan initially encouraged people to volunteer for 67 minutes on Mandela’s birthday, over time it became clear that impactful, sustainable change requires long-term engagement and collaboration. As a result, the Nelson Mandela Foundation introduced the “Make Every Day A Mandela Day” slogan in 2011, encouraging individuals and communities to take responsibility for social justice every day.

Although the focus has shifted, Mandela Day remains an opportunity to take small but impactful actions that contribute to a greater collective good. From painting schools to cleaning streets, these initiatives bring people together, spark important conversations, and inspire long-lasting change.

A Commitment to Making a Difference

At Bitou 10 Foundation, we are proud to contribute to this global movement by ensuring that our Mandela Day projects are not just temporary fixes but also part of a larger, ongoing commitment to community development. Through our efforts, we honour Madiba’s vision of a united, just society, and we work to provide the children of Bitou with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

Mandela Day is especially near to our hearts, as our foundation’s roots are directly tied to Madiba’s legacy and his call for collaborative action. In honouring his vision, we remain dedicated to supporting education and community development, not just on Mandela Day, but every day. We will continue to carry forward Madiba’s spirit of service and hope for a better future, working together to build a brighter tomorrow.

Join us in celebrating Mandela Day by getting involved, contributing, and making a meaningful impact. Together, we can continue Madiba’s legacy and help build a brighter future for all.