Joyful interactions take centre stage at the Mandela Day outreach event

Mandela Day was observed on Friday, 18 July, with an outreach event at the Hope and Light Orphanage in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, where children took part in various activities.

Staff members from Unashamedly Ethical in Somerset West joined forces with students from the Eagles Rising Leadership Academy in Gordon’s Bay for a collaborative outreach, creating a morning filled with fun, games, and positive interactions.

Vuyani Jebesie, facility manager at the orphanage, shared: “It’s the first time they’ve visited us. Usually, it’s the same familiar faces, so it was refreshing for our children to meet new people.”

The outreach, especially the relaxed and joyful activities, had a meaningful impact on the children.

René Ensil, a social worker at the orphanage, said: “Our children come from underprivileged backgrounds, so visits like these help them feel seen and valued. It shows them they’re cared for. For us, it’s incredibly meaningful to have people remind our kids that it’s okay to just be children. Many of them come from situations where they’ve had to grow up too fast.”

Ms Ensil pointed out the value of the friendly interactions during the visit.

“I think food parcels and things like that are temporary,” said Ms Ensil.

“But this is about creating memories. Even when the children return to their families, they’ll carry the reminder that I am a child, that I matter.”

Mr. Jebesie, on his part, pointed out the deeper meaning behind International Mandela Day.

“Mandela Day is about love. Every year, it reminds us at the orphanage that people see what these children go through. Many of them are neglected and vulnerable, and this day is about bridging that gap - spending time with them and showing them that, despite their circumstances, they are not alone. People do care.”

Ms Ensil praised the spirit of Ubuntu that permeated the morning’s activities.

“This is Ubuntu - the essence of togetherness that we as South Africans hold so dear. Mandela Day puts a spotlight on that spirit and reminds us to give back.”

Gary Power, CEO of Unashamedly Ethical, connected the day’s message with a broader call to action.

“Our organisation stands for ethics, values, and integrity. With all the corruption we see in the news, people often feel helpless - as if change is only in the hands of government. But that’s not true. We can make a difference, right here in our communities.”

“Our future lies in our youth. If we nurture ethical, principled young people who do what’s right - even when no one’s watching - we will see real change. I truly believe in the impact of that.”

Ilene Power added that Mandela Day is also a reminder of servant leadership. She reflected on the emotional effect the visit had on the children: “My hope is that the children walk away with a renewed sense of hope. That they feel loved, valued, and seen by their community. That they know there’s a place for them in this world, and that their lives can be touched and uplifted.”

The collaborative visit to the orphanage was initiated by Unashamedly Ethical and Eagles Rising Leadership Academy, one of its beneficiary organisations. Activities were facilitated by pupils from the academy under the watchful eye of its CEO, Hans van Rensburg.

Mr Van Rensburg said the outreach was about just as much about teaching their own pupils the importance of giving back.

“As we guide our youth, we need to instill in them that life isn’t just about receiving -it’s about giving, too. They have so much energy and light, and experiences like this are enriching for everyone involved.”

He appreciated the joyful atmosphere that unfolded throughout the day.

“It’s about stepping away from life’s hardships and building resilience through joy. Joy is like a muscle - if we don’t use it, it fades.”

The morning’s activities ended with children enjoying cake and juice.