Knitters and crocheteers got together at the War Museum of the Boer Republics in Bloemfontein to combine squares into blankets, and knit scarves to take part in Mandela Day and spread warmth and love.

67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day is a non-profit initiative that mobilises people to knit and crochet blankets and scarves to help those in need, honouring Nelson Mandela’s legacy of giving and compassion.

Completed blankets made from squares. Picture: Zenande Mpame

For this year’s Mandela Day, 67 Blankets partnered with the War Museum and Squares of Love, while Vaal Central Water donated wool for the knitters and brought along people to knit as well.

“We chose this specific area because it is a children’s library and a memorial of children who passed away during the war. In each war, some people are affected, and often children are unaccounted for,” said Free State 67 Blankets ambassador Lindiwe Mnguni.

“We are here today to commemorate the legacy of Madiba and we brought scarves that we knitted with love, these scarves are for anyone who needs them. This is us spreading warmth and love and also encouraging people to use their hands.

“We are also bringing Squares of Love which is an initiative part of Mandela’s legacy, then we are making blankets, they will be donated to children in need,” she said.

The Secret Scarf Shhhh initiative now operating in its eighth year continues to spread warmth and love in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, giving back to people and children in need. The day consisted of young and old people knitting inside the restaurant and they were served with food and gifted with scarves.

Free State 67 Blankets ambassador, Lindiwe Mnguni, and War Museum’s Dané Swanepoel. Picture: Zenande Mpame

Each hand-made scarf carries a special 67 Blankets label, reading: “I am not lost. If you are cold and need me, please take me. With Love, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.”

“We are here today at the museum with 67 Blankets and Squares of Love as an initiative to honour Mandela Day. This year it is different because we have more people involved in the initiative,” said the War Museum’s Dané Swanepoel.

“The whole idea and plan for this day was to knit blocks that could be combined into blankets, and those blankets would be gifted to our children’s home here in Bloemfontein.

“We were hoping for 42 blankets but it looks like we are going to exceed that number, we want to attempt to cover this circle with blankets to remember the children who passed in the war,” she said.

The note attached to the scarves. Picture: Zenande Mpame

OFM News/Zenande Mpame