As South Africans prepare to honour Nelson Mandela on 18 July, millions will once again dedicate 67 minutes of their time to making a difference in their communities.
While many people volunteer at schools, soup kitchens, and charities, WWF South Africa is encouraging citizens to look a little closer to home this Mandela Day, saying caring for nature is one of the most meaningful ways to honour Mandela’s legacy of service.
Through its This Is Where We Live campaign, the conservation organisation is urging South Africans to spend their 67 minutes protecting the environment by taking simple actions in their homes and neighbourhoods.
“Mandela Day reminds us that every person has the power to create positive change. Looking after the places we call home is one of the simplest ways to make a lasting difference,” the organisation says.
Among the practical suggestions is removing invasive alien plants, which threaten biodiversity and consume valuable water resources. Residents are also encouraged to clear litter from streets and stormwater drains to prevent plastic waste from reaching rivers and oceans.
