Every year on July 18th, South Africans are inspired by the ideals and legacy of Nelson Mandela to come together and build their communities. The #ItsInYourHands theme for 2024 encourages South Africans to contribute to the betterment of their local communities. As a bsmart member, you can benefit from special chances to support your neighbourhood while saving money and receiving cash back from our bsmart shop partners. Let's get started and see how even modest deeds of kindness can have a significant impact on other people's life.

Volunteer Your Time

Join Local Clean-Up Efforts

One great approach to make an instant, noticeable difference in your town is to become involved in local clean-up programmes. You can participate in neighbourhood, park, and beach clean-ups. Look through local classifieds or community boards for clean-up events in your area or follow this link to find out how to join a cleanup. If you are unable to find one, think about setting up your own. Organise a gathering, decide on a place, and establish a time. Mandela Day can be observed by giving back to the community and environment by offering your time to keep things tidy and by leading by example.

Mentor a Young Person

You could help a young person in your community by providing them with advice, support, and encouragement. Check with neighbourhood youth clubs, schools, or charities to identify a good fit between mentors and mentees. Many groups facilitate this connection. A young person can benefit from your experience and knowledge in navigating obstacles and making well-informed decisions regarding their education and career. You and the mentee can gain a lot from the friendship by investing a few hours each week. Mentoring benefits the individual as well as the general well-being of the community.

Assist at a Soup Kitchen

In addition to offering hot meals, soup kitchens give the impoverished and homeless a sense of dignity and community. You can provide your time to a local soup kitchen by helping to prepare food, serve meals, or clean up after services. Additionally, you can donate soup ingredients to these soup meals by purchasing them from our retail partners, Shoprite and Checkers. In this manner, you can benefit your community and earn cashback at the same time. Numerous neighbourhood non-profits and churches provide soup kitchens, and they are always in need of support. An example of one is Ladles of Love, a Cape Town soup kitchen that feeds the hungry with healthy food through a network of NPOs. Your support, in the form of food or time, will go a long way towards helping the less fortunate who depend on these programmes.

Donate Essentials

Purchase Non-Perishables

Food items such as rice, pasta, canned goods, and cooking oil are always welcomed by homeless shelters, women’s shelters, hospices, and more. Consider shopping for these non-perishables at bsmart retail partners like Pick ‘n Pay and selected OK Foods to earn cashback in the process. Because they are easily dispersed and have a lengthy shelf life, non-perishables are very valuable. To have the most effect, think about planning a food drive in your community or place of employment. Invite friends and family to buy and donate these things with you.

Buy Blankets for Winter

As winter sets in, warm blankets become essential for those without adequate shelter. You can buy reasonably priced blankets from our nationwide bsmart retail partner, PEP, and take advantage of cashback offers as a bsmart member. These blankets can be given to homeless people directly or donated to shelters and orphanages. During the winter, a warm blanket can have a big impact on someone's health and comfort. Think about forming a group with co-workers, friends, or family to purchase and distribute extra blankets. Additionally, you might inquire about distribution events or blanket drives hosted by nearby charity to see where your donations are most needed. Giving the gift of warmth is a simple yet profoundly impactful way to honour the spirit of Mandela Day.

Support Local Businesses

Shop at bsmart Partner Stores

One of the most effective ways to make your town stronger is to support local businesses. You can shop at a variety of smaller bsmart partner stores as a member, benefiting from cashback rewards while boosting the regional economy. Every rand you spend at a local retailer matter, whether you're buying food, clothes, or household goods. Make a deliberate effort to use your bsmart membership to support small businesses this Mandela Day.

Promote Small Enterprises

Encouraging small businesses is essential to the viability and prosperity of communities. By telling others about these businesses' goods and services, you can help them. Post reviews, encourage friends and family to visit nearby stores, and post about your great experiences on social media. Your support can help these small businesses expand and thrive by attracting additional customers. Additionally, you could also speak to the owners of these small businesses and encourage them to join the bsmart retailer network where they will be able to network and experience growth.

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