DEPUTY MINISTER ZIKALALA COMMEMORATES MANDELA DAY BY CELEBRATING COMMUNITY CHANGEMAKERS

Article by Fanisa Makhubela, Pictures by Mahlogonolo Makwela

18 July 2026

“Mandela Day reminds us that while many dedicate 67 minutes to serving others, there are those who devote all 365 days of the year to changing lives.” These words by Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala captured the true spirit of Mandela Day as he joined Youth For Survival NPO in Pretoria West to honour the people who quietly make a difference every single day.

Held under this year’s theme, “Let’s Get Involved,” the Mandela Day programme celebrated the unwavering commitment of Moshy Mathe, Founder of Youth For Survival, whose organisation has spent the past 24 years providing safety, hope and support to vulnerable women and children. What started as an act of compassion has grown into a trusted place of safety, working closely with government departments and law enforcement to help survivors of gender-based violence rebuild their lives.

Addressing community members, Deputy Minister Zikalala paid tribute to the women and men who work in shelters and places of safety, describing them as everyday heroes whose contribution often goes unnoticed. He said these centres do more than provide shelter—they restore dignity, inspire hope and create opportunities for people to start again. He also encouraged greater investment in education, youth development and community initiatives as part of the long-term solution to ending gender-based violence.

The event also highlighted the value of partnerships in changing lives. For the past 15 years, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has supported Youth For Survival through furniture donations, which are refurbished and used across the organisation’s shelters. Looking ahead, Moshy Mathe shared her vision of establishing a factory that will create employment opportunities and generate sustainable income to support the organisation’s work.

As the programme came to a close, one message stood out above all: Mandela Day is not only about the 67 minutes we give once a year, but about the compassion, kindness and service we show every day. It is through ordinary people, organisations like Youth For Survival and communities that choose to stand together that Madiba’s legacy continues to live on.