Nelson Mandela Day is not only celebrated in South Africa but globally. It is celebrated in order to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service, justice and compassion. It is a global call to encourage individuals to make a positive impact on their community as Mandela did through out his life. To commemorate Nelson Mandela Day and its call to dedicate 67 minutes to giving back to the community, the UJ Congolese Society and UJ Community Engagement at APK campus visited Helen Joseph Hospital to give back by assisting the hospital staff.

The visit to Helen Joseph Hospital taught each and every one of us the importance of giving back to the community. We assisted the hospital staff by helping them pack medication in the storage rooms, cleaning around the hospital, and repainting where it was needed. The acts of service did not end there; we also assisted with serving food to the patients. The entire experience was wholesome because we not only gave back to the community, but helped and placed a smile on the hospital staff. Participating in the community allowed us to grow in compassion, unity, and purpose, showing that together we can make a lasting impact. An important thing we learned is that the problems affecting the community around us ultimately affect us all, and that is why it is important to participate in the community rather than separate ourselves from it. By getting involved, we become part of the solution, creating a stronger, more united society where everyone’s well-being is valued.

The call to give back 67 minutes to the community is not simply about passing time, because the idea of 67 minutes comes from the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice — from 1942 until his retirement in 2009. People are asked to donate 67 minutes of their time doing something helpful or meaningful, symbolizing one minute for each year he served humanity.

In essence, Mandela Day and the 67 minutes are about reminding us that each person has the power to make a difference — and that small acts of kindness can bring about big change. Giving back and being involved in our community strengthens our sense of belonging and allows us to be active contributors to positive change.