Each year, Mandela Day prompts the same question: what can we do that truly makes a difference?
For Ladles of Love, the answer is clear. Give 67 minutes. Use your hands. Help support the nutrition and education of 20,000 preschool children in under-resourced communities.
Hands-On Heroes Campaign
This year, Ladles of Love is calling on South Africans to join its Hands-On Heroes initiative. The campaign offers organised volunteer events and ready-to-use kits, making it simple for individuals, families, schools, businesses and communities to contribute meaningfully.
Flagship Events
- Cape Town: DHL Stadium, Friday 17 July 2026
- Johannesburg: EXPO Centre, Nasrec, Wednesday 22 July 2026
At these events, volunteers will take part in four activity zones: Make, Create, Craft or Grow. Activities include preparing sandwiches, packing nutrition boxes, creating teaching aids and building grow boxes with seeds to support urban farmers who supply preschools.
Create Your Own Hero
From 17 to 31 July 2026, South Africans who cannot attend the flagship events can host their own 67-minute give-back sessions using delivered Hands-On Hero Kits.
Founder Danny Diliberto explains:
“The planning is done. The activities are ready. The need is real. We want South Africans to show up with their teams, families, colleagues and friends, and spend 67 minutes doing something that reaches children who need support.”
Ambassadors and Supporters
The campaign is supported by well-known South Africans across sport, food and entertainment.
- Zola Nene, chef, author and television personality, joins as a Hands-On Hero Ambassador.
- Stormers Rugby will volunteer at the Cape Town event, bringing the spirit of teamwork.
- Marc Lottering lends his voice to the campaign.
- GoodLuck adds its support in Cape Town.
- Lungi Ngidi, cricket star, will back the Johannesburg event.
Special Experiences
Cape Town participants can extend their Mandela Day with the Business Lounge Experience at DHL Stadium. For R195 per person, this includes lounge access, a ticket to the Stormers vs Griquas match, a burger and access to the cash bar. A discount link for 50% off general access tickets is also available.
Corporate Engagement
For companies, Hands-On Heroes provides a ready-made Mandela Day staff engagement opportunity. Teams do not need to design activities or source materials. They simply book, arrive and take part in a shared volunteer experience with clear community value.
“Hands-On Heroes makes it easy for teams to give their time and become part of something much bigger,” says Diliberto.
Why It Matters
Mandela Day honours the 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted to public service and the fight for human rights. Ladles of Love transforms those 67 minutes into food, learning tools and growth opportunities for children who need them most.
The invitation is simple: Give us a hand.
Event Details
- Cape Town: DHL Stadium, Friday 17 July 2026
- Johannesburg: EXPO Centre, Nasrec, Wednesday 22 July 2026
- Create Your Own Hands-On Hero: 17 to 31 July 2026
Bookings and information: www.LadlesofLove.org.za Group bookings: events@ladlesoflove.org.za
