Nelson Mandela Foundation

This morning the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day initiative succeeded in fulfilling their intentions to set a new world record of laying down the largest blanket.

The community affectionately dubbed KnitWits for Madiba’s hard work was put out for all to see, and more importantly, for those in need to have an extra layer of warmth this coming winter.

What started as a challenge to Carolyn Steyn to create 67 blankets for people in need today stands as an annual effort of South Africans looking to be active in helping where they can.

10324 blankets covering 17181 square meters were laid out at Drakenstein Correctional Centre in Paarl, Western Cape, where Nelson Mandela took his first steps to freedom on 11 February 1990.

The day was not without its hiccups as the weather caused a tent to tilt over in the howling wind. 5 people sustained minor injuries, they received treatment on site from the medical team.