Mandela Day Spotlight: UNICEF launches ‘Pledge 67’ to uplift South Africa’s children
UNICEF Emblem
As South Africa observes Mandela Day, UNICEF South Africa is spearheading a nationwide initiative, “Pledge 67”, inviting individuals, communities, and corporations to dedicate 67 minutes or donate R67 in tribute to Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public service. Aimed at uplifting vulnerable children, the campaign focuses on critical areas including early childhood education, nutrition, water and sanitation (WASH), health, and child protection.
This initiative is more than a symbolic gesture, it’s a powerful reminder that small, deliberate actions can translate into generational change. UNICEF’s message is clear: every minute, every rand, and every act of advocacy can contribute to building healthier, more equitable futures for South Africa’s young generation.
Why 67 Minutes: Investing in Children’s Futures
Mandela believed in the transformative power of service. Aligning with this ethos, UNICEF asks participants to contribute 67 minutes, through volunteering, teaching, or advocacy, or donate R67, to ensure children gain access to early learning and foundational education. This support strengthens critical developmental years, preparing children for formal schooling and lifelong success.
In a country where 1.5 million children under five lack access to early childhood education, every pledged minute becomes a stand for educational equity. Through focused efforts, UNICEF aims to close learning gaps, especially for children from disadvantaged communities.
Bridging Gaps in Health, Nutrition & WASH
UNICEF’s appeal extends beyond education to address other fundamental needs:
- Nutrition & Health: Combatting malnutrition and ensuring children receive essential immunizations and health screenings.
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene: Providing access to clean water, toilets, and hygiene education through WASH programs.
- Child Protection: Promoting safety and well-being by helping communities ensure children are shielded from discrimination, abuse, and exploitation.
By combining these efforts, UNICEF supports a holistic approach to child development, ensuring that each child’s right to grow in a healthy, safe, dignified environment is upheld.
How You Can Contribute: From Minutes to Movements
UNICEF encourages diverse forms of engagement during Mandela Month:
- Volunteer 67 Minutes: Engage in local reading sessions, clean-up drives, hygiene education, or community health support.
- Donate R67 (or more): Contributions fund essential programmes across education, WASH, and health. You can donate here
- Advocate: Amplify the campaign on social media, champion policy shifts, or organize fundraisers in schools and workplaces.
These individual efforts, when combined, build a robust support system for children, ensuring UNICEF’s interventions are both far-reaching and sustainable.
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Institutional Partnerships: Amplifying Collective Impact
UNICEF’s Pledge 67 call extends to schools, businesses, faith groups, and NGOs, positioning Mandela Day as a catalyst for collective action. By aligning with corporates and public sector partners, UNICEF aims to leverage broad-scale resources, enabling impactful programming and boosting community-led initiatives.
These collaborations not only provide financial backing but also validate WASH infrastructure projects, early learning centers, and child protection schemes, ensuring long-term sustainability beyond Mandela Day.
Sustain Momentum Beyond Mandela Month
UNICEF emphasises that lasting change requires ongoing effort. While Mandela Day acts as a launching pad, the work continues:
- Supporting community-based programs in education, nutrition, WASH, and protection.
- Consistent funding and policy advocacy to guarantee children’s rights.
- Promoting social cohesion through shared responsibility in raising healthier children.
The ultimate goal is to embed these interventions into the fabric of South African society, ensuring every child thrives every day of the year.
Mandela’s Vision Lives on Through Us
This Mandela Day, UNICEF’s “Pledge 67” refocuses our attention on South Africa’s youngest citizens. By dedicating 67 minutes of action or making a contribution, each of us honors Nelson Mandela’s legacy through practical solidarity. As UNICEF leads the way, the message is powerful: change is possible when we unite, and the future of our children depends on the actions we take today.
