Joburg honours Madiba’s legacy through education, service and community care

The City of Johannesburg marked Nelson Mandela Month with a series of impactful initiatives that celebrated Madiba's enduring legacy of service, education and community upliftment. In partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the City once again supported the Nelson Mandela RIDE4HOPE Legacy Initiative, reaffirming its commitment to education, community development and active citizenship.

The annual Ride4Hope Activation, held at Nelson Mandela's former home in Orlando West on 18 July, saw cyclists complete a 40km ride to Giyani Primary School in Diepkloof. The charity initiative, supported by the City and corporate partners, raises funds to improve learning environments in under-resourced schools.

This year, Giyani Primary School received new classrooms sponsored by Absa and a science laboratory funded by Aspen. The Nelson Mandela Foundation identifies a deserving school each year to benefit from the initiative.

Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Ride4Hope campaign at the Nelson Mandela Foundation offices in Houghton earlier this month, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Cllr Thapelo Amad, said Mandela Day is about turning compassion into meaningful action.

“Every classroom we build is an investment in South Africa's future. Through initiatives such as Classrooms4Hope, we are creating learning environments where young people can thrive. Ride4Hope demonstrates what can be achieved when government, business and communities work together to build a better future."

While cyclists rode for education, City employees across Johannesburg dedicated their time to serving communities in the spirit of Mandela Day's global call to devote 67 minutes to helping others.

In Region C, the Community Development Department's Sport and Recreation Unit, together with the Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) team and other regional departments, hosted a special wellness event for more than 200 senior citizens from Bramfischerville, Tshepisong, Fleurhof, Davidsonville and Doornkop.

The elderly participants enjoyed health screenings, blood pressure and diabetes tests, hearing assessments, optometry services, memory and mental health support, aerobics and recreational activities. Food Lovers Market provided warm soup to welcome participants on the cold winter morning.

The event celebrated the resilience of the elderly, including participants aged 90 and even 100, who enthusiastically joined in singing, dancing and exercise.

Regional Director Mlamleli Belot thanked the senior citizens for their wisdom and lifelong contribution to society, while also acknowledging partners including Food Lovers Market, Spectacle Warehouse Optometrists and the Department of Health for supporting the initiative.

Reflecting on the day, Doornkop resident Gogo Noma Nkosi said: “This day was an enormous success. We have learnt a lot. The spirit of Mandela must live on."

Through education, wellness and community service, the City continues to honour Madiba's vision of building stronger, more caring communities.

Written by Maseipati Tsotsotso and Thembelihle Radebe
20/07/2026

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