IMATU COMMEMORATES MANDELA DAY – 18 JULY 2026
Theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”.
Every year on 18 July, South Africans unite to honour the extraordinary life and legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who devoted 67 years of his life to the struggle for freedom, justice and equality.
“It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised”. – Nelson Mandela
At IMATU, service to our members goes hand in hand with service to the communities in which we live and work. Mandela Day reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can change lives and strengthen the spirit of Ubuntu.
As part of IMATU’s Social Responsibility Programme, approved by the National Executive Council, our Branches, Regions and National Office will once again roll up their sleeves to make a meaningful difference in communities across South Africa.
Throughout the country, IMATU will support organisations that care for vulnerable children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, community organisations and even animal welfare initiatives by donating food, educational resources, cleaning supplies, clothing, toiletries, stationery and other essential items, while many of our Officials, Shop Stewards and Office Bearers will also dedicate their time through hands-on community service.
Here’s how IMATU will be making a difference:
City of Cape Town & Western Cape Regions
Supporting Fikelela Children’s Centre in Khayelitsha through a monetary donation to assist with safe housing, nutrition and educational support for abandoned and vulnerable children.
eThekwini Region
Supporting Isaiah 54 in The Bluff, Durban, with a donation, dry goods, cleaning supplies and providing lunch for the children and staff.
KwaZulu-Natal Region
Supporting Thandabantu Community Care Centre in Endumeni with lunch and essential donations including food, baby supplies, stationery, toiletries and cleaning products.
Gauteng Region
Donating food parcels and educational material to Usizo Support Organisation in Katlehong, supporting vulnerable children and child- and youth-headed households.
Tshwane Region
Working alongside residents at Lebuwe Centre by assisting with cleaning and gardening while donating stationery and cleaning supplies. In addition, supporting Wollies Animal Shelter NPC through volunteer service, animal care and donations of cat and dog food.
Limpopo Region
The leadership of the Polokwane Branch will commemorate Mandela Day with residents of Phuti Molapo Journey of Hope Old Age Home, providing financial support for toiletries and cleaning projects while sharing quality time with the elderly.
Eastern Cape Region
Providing financial assistance to Masakhane Child Care Facility in the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Branch and Home of Joy Orphanage in the Makhanda Branch, both of which play an invaluable role in caring for vulnerable members of their communities.
Johannesburg Region
Donating perishable and non-perishable food to Motse o Moholo Home of the Elderly and Vulnerable Children in Soweto and Sisters of Hope in Maraisburg, organisations that provide meals, shelter, clothing, medical assistance and emotional support.
Mpumalanga Region
The Bushbuckridge Branch will provide food and donate 20 bags of cement to assist Kganyang Day Care Centre in Dingledale. The Nkomazi Branch will donate food, clothing, blankets and household appliances to needy families in the villages of Hhoyi and Mbuzini.
National Office
Continuing a partnership of more than a decade, IMATU National Office will donate 60 higher-primary double desks to Kaalfontein Primary School, investing in quality education, dignity and a better learning environment for future generations.
These initiatives reflect who we are as a Union.
IMATU does far more than serve members every day. We also strengthen and uplift the communities they call home. We are incredibly proud of every Official, Shop Steward and Office Bearer who is giving their time, resources and compassion to make Mandela Day meaningful.
Together, we continue to honour Madiba’s legacy by transforming compassion into action.
Happy Mandela Day to all our members.
Together, we serve. Together, we care. Together, we make a difference.
30 Years of Working Together For You!
