The “hugest happiness blanket in the world” is coming to the Eastern Cape this month, when Nelson Mandela University hosts the annual 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.
On 20 March 2025, thousands of individual handmade blankets will be placed side by side on the University’s Second Avenue Campus in Summerstrand.
This striking installation will be a practical symbol of how small acts of kindness can change the world.
What started as a simple challenge in 2013 – to knit 67 blankets in honour of Nelson Mandela – has grown into a global movement which has been warming hearts and bodies ever since.
“The ethos of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has always been about spreading warmth and happiness,” says founder Carolyn Steyn. “It’s a privilege to bring this initiative to Nelson Mandela University, a place that embodies Madiba’s values of compassion and community upliftment, under the perfect banner of happiness and unity.”
The chosen date – 20 March – also marks the United Nations International Day of Happiness.
A giant yellow smiley emoji will be at the heart of this year’s installation, and a sea of brightly coloured, handmade blankets will surround it – each one a labour of love from knitters and crocheters all over South Africa.
The installation of blankets is not just a visual spectacle. With winter ahead, they will be distributed to provide comfort to individuals and families in need across the country.
One out of four blankets will remain in Gqeberha, offering warmth to those in need across the Eastern Cape. The blankets will be distributed to Missionvale Care Centre, Umphanda Foundation for Autism, and Ekuphumleni Elderly Home, with special handovers on 20 and 21 March, marking Human Rights Day and reinforcing the right to human dignity.
University Engagement Office Director Dr Bruce Damons outlines the significance of hosting the installation at Nelson Mandela University, the only university in the world to carry this name.
“The 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day installation is more than a vibrant display of warmth; it stands as a living testament to our commitment to serving society through initiatives that uphold human dignity and foster community solidarity,” he says.
“At Nelson Mandela University, we recognise that meaningful engagement emerges at the intersection of academia, civil society, industry, and government, where knowledge and compassion converge to drive transformative change.
“Hosting this initiative on the UN International Day of Happiness amplifies its significance, reminding us that true joy is deeply rooted in acts of kindness and collective care.”
Here is how to take part:
- Donate a blanket: Locate your nearest ambassador via the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day website. Deliver your handmade blankets before the deadline, or bring them along if attending the event. Drop-off points are also available at all Nelson Mandela University libraries.
- Be part of the event: Join in on 20 March at the University’s Second Avenue Campus to experience the installation and celebrate the International Day of Happiness in a meaningful way.
SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE
- 67 Blankets Website: www.67blankets.co.za
- Facebook: @67BlanketsForNelsonMandelaDay
- Instagram: @67blankets
- Nelson Mandela University: Website | Instagram | Facebook
