Various organisations  paid tribute to the annual Mandela Day legacy by contributing towards the unemployed, older generation and those in need.

Students from various faculties at the University of Johannesburg spent a fun filled morning entertaining seniors, making bead bracelets and playing ball, at the Khadijatul Kubra Frail Care Centre in Extension 9 on Tuesday.

“We are giving back to the community and chose the frail care to give back to our elders, said students Tasmiyah Patel and Aneesa Ebrahim.

Nonhlanhla Nga Lingwati, a fourth year  student said she had a very interesting experience: “it was wonderful to engage with the old people and give back to our elders who don’t always have young people around them.

Knitters of Lenasia, handed out scarfs, blankets and beanies to passers-by on Rose Avenue, a busy pedestrian footpath in extension five. “In keeping with 67 blankets for Mandela Organisation, we knitted these scarfs and blankets to donate to people in Lenasia as part of their project,” said ambassador Kulsum Habib.

She said it “is so gratifying to distribute  the gifts and it gives people so much pleasure in receiving it.”

Pastor Shaan Napier, director of the Sizwe Development Centre in Extension 9, said in lieu of  Mandela Day, his group provided meals to the youth who were at the centre to apply for the job opportunities.” It is important when you come here you must be blessed and leave with a meal and thank God for that blessing.”

Gift of the Givers foundation said their organization would be contributing their gift by assisting Apex Primary School.  “The school requires assistance in terms of some maintenance. We will help out within the next few days by cutting the  grass, cleaning the toilets and assisting with other things the school requires,” said spokesperson Shehnaaz Mohammed.