Nelson Mandela Day 2017 – Manitou Southern Africa

On Mandela Day, which falls on the 18th of July each year, people around the world are encouraged to spend at least 67 minutes doing something positive for their communities. This is to honour Nelson Mandela, the late South African president, who spent 67 years fighting for social justice, equality and democracy.

The Manitou Southern Africa team visited Edenvale Government Hospital, located in Johannesburg, to hand out care packages for the women and babies in the maternity ward. These care packages included a pack of baby wipes, toiletries for the mother and a warm blanket as well as some newborn booties and beanies that the staff at Manitou SA had knitted.

As the care packages were being handed out to the new mothers, many were so thankful that they burst into tears. Our team spent some time to getting to know these wonderful ladies, many of whom barely had any clothes or blankets for their newborns. This was indeed a much needed gift to start them on their journey to motherhood.

The day could not have been possible without the nurses, doctors and other staff members of the Edenvale Hospital who welcomed us with open arms. We would like to thank the hospital staff for taking such great care of these ladies and, of course, looking after the babies and giving them the best possible care they can provide.

“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help other’s without expecting anything in return” – Nelson Mandela

A video was created to honour Nelson Mandela Day and can be viewed down below.