Ladles of Love Mandela Day – Johannesburg
This Mandela Day, Ladles of Love is giving companies, schools, families, students and communities a clear, practical way to make their 67 minutes count.
The organisation is calling on South Africans to become Hands-On Heroes in support of the nutrition and education of 20,000 preschool children in impoverished communities across the country.
The 2026 Ladles of Love Mandela Day Hands-On events will take place at two flagship venues: DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Friday, 17 July 2026, and the Johannesburg EXPO Centre on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.
The concept is simple. Arrive, choose an activity and spend 67 minutes making something that will help feed, teach and nurture small children.
Volunteers can choose from four activation zones:
– Make: Join the Sarmiethon sandwich-making challenge or pack nutrition boxes for preschools.
– Create: Make preschool posters, flashcards and activity workbooks.
– Craft: Create teaching aids such as bean bags, puppets and veggie trucks.
– Grow: Build grow boxes with vegetable and herb seeds to support urban farmers supplying preschools.
Corporate teams can also use the events as meaningful team-building experiences, with group bookings, meal packages, fast-track entry, reserved seating, branding opportunities and a motivational talk by Danny Diliberto available as add-ons.
Ladles of Love has built its reputation on turning goodwill into practical action. What began in 2014 as a small Cape Town soup kitchen has grown into a respected hunger relief organisation supporting vulnerable children and communities through regular, nutritious meals.
This Mandela Day, the invitation is simple.
Book your spot. Bring your team. Become a Hands-On Hero.
Good to know:
Dates: Wednesday, 22 July 2026
Times: Each event will run across four 90-minute time slots at 09h00, 11h00, 13h00 and 15h00, making it easy for individuals and groups to book a time that suits them.
Cost: Individual tickets are priced at R300 and deemed a donation, funding two healthy meals a day for a month for a preschool child in need. Discounted tickets for students and pensioners are R200. Group and corporate packages are also available.
Age group: All ages
Where: Johannesburg EXPO Centre
More information: https://ladlesoflove.org.za/mandela-day/
