Mandela Day: Where to get involved in KZN

The international day, falling on Mandela's birthday on July 18, was officially declared by the United Nations (UN) to continue the legacy of Madiba - a humanitarian admired the world over.

For 67 minutes, equivalent to the number of years of Tata's service, South Africans and people worldwide will come together to help those in need.

A global call-to-action - communities are encouraged to make a small difference in their communities on Tuesday.   

With the day fast approaching, here are ideas to guide you on how to spend your 67 minutes in KZN. 

Donate blood

The country is currently experiencing a shortage of blood and donating will help save the lives of those who needs it most. The SANBS will be hosting blood donation sites at locations across South Africa. To meet the daily demand for blood, SANBS must collect an average of 3 000 units of blood a day. When blood is donated - a single “whole blood” donation may help as many as three patients.

Volunteer

Volunteer at your local children’s home, home for the elderly, NGO or animal rescue shelters - which always welcome an extra pair of hands. The doors are always open at your local libraries - you can offer to read to young ones or donate books that you no longer use. 

Non-profit organisation, Habitat for Humanity provides affordable shelter to the needy to fight poverty. This year, the organisation partnered with the Nelson Mandela Foundation to build 67 homes for 67 families with the help from volunteers. Although the main project takes place in Orange Farm, Gauteng - you can reach the NPO's KZN office here. 

Here are the top five local organisations you can volunteer for in KZN. 

1. Visit this page to choose your own preferred place to donate or volunteer - https://www.forgood.co.za/how-it-works

2. NYDA (My hands and heart) - https://www.myhandsandheart.org/ 

3. C.R.O.W - http://crowkzn.co.za/volunteer-at-crow/

4. We Are Durban - http://wearedurban.com/?page_id=3537 

5. ACTS (A Centre That Serves) - http://www.charitysa.co.za/kwazulu-natal-list

Run a local race 

Weekends races are big in Durban and if you want to give back while having fun, this is the best way to do it. Try and target races that aim to raise funds for the needy. Take part in the Mandela Day Shop for Good Amazing Race at Gateway Theatre Shopping with the Forward Zone Solutions, The Robin Hood Foundation and Angel Projects. For more info, click here. 

Durban beach clean-up 

If you are short of ideas on what to do, you can gather a small crowd of friends and family to pick up waste along the KZN coastline. More people have come to embrace the idea with beach clean-ups now being held on a monthly basis. Here's how previous beach clean-ups have fared. 

Thereafter, don't forget to recycle! You can recycle and drop off paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and cans at these centres in the province.

Kloof community recycling drop-off centre - Kloof civic offices, Emolweni Road, Durban.

Sibanye Recycling - 21 Clough St, Pietermaritzburg, 3201.

KZN South Coast Community Recycling Centre - Port Shepstone, Daly Street, Port Shepstone, 4240.

Bab's Waste Paper - 12/14 Brooklyn Rd, Jacobs, Durban, 4052.