Introduction
In celebration of Mandela Day on 18 July 2023, Ashraful Aid teamed up with Gauteng Lions Rugby team and Lions Cricket to undertake a food hamper drive in Johannesburg. The day was filled with fun and excitement, the spirit of ubuntu flowed through the Wanderers Stadium. Hundreds of people arrived at the stadium to pack hampers which were delivered to needy families. South African cricket team captain, Mr Temba Bavuma was onsite to assist with the packing of hampers. Mr Bavuma’s presence motivated the packing and provided an electric atmosphere to the day’s event.
Mandela Day: More Than 67 Minutes
Mandela Day has become a symbolic day of community service, with individuals encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes – each minute representing a year of Nelson Mandela’s public service – to doing good deeds. Leading up to the event, Ashraful Aid appealed for donations of R200 per person, which were utilized to assemble the food hampers for distribution.
Unifying Efforts in Johannesburg and Cape Town
Volunteers came together at two sites in Johannesburg (DP Wanderers Stadium) and Cape Town (Eagle Park, Masjidul-Kareem) to make a positive impact. Ashraful Aid Executive Director, Maulana Suhail Wadee shared; “As Ashraful Aid, we are committed to ensuring food security is equitable to all in South Africa and we are honoured to collaborate with Gauteng Cricket Teams, Lions Rugby Teams and other partners on Mandela Day”.
Ashraful Aid’s Vision
Founded on the principles of compassion, sustainability, and social justice, Ashraful Aid aims to alleviate poverty, address immediate needs, and empower individuals and communities for a better future. Beyond Mandela Day, Ashraful Aid actively engages with local communities and collaborates with relevant stakeholders. By involving community members in the process, the organization gains insight into specific needs and challenges, ensuring that food parcels are tailored to the requirements of the target population. The food relief programme aims to provide food security through food distribution programmes locally and internationally.
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2
By actively engaging with communities, the organization ensures the effectiveness and sustainability of its initiatives, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2, End Hunger, and creating a world where hunger is eliminated. Ashraful Aid appeals to the public to join their cause in ending hunger, small efforts in the way of time, labour or donations, go a long way in creating a spirit of ubuntu.
