On Thursday 26 June 2025, Cannons Creek Independent High School held an early Mandela Day, partnering with local NPO – Lerato’s Hope. The school packed sixty-seven complete Hygiene boxes containing the bare essentials for a family affected by floods or fire damage, which is especially relevant during this cold Winter. These boxes contained toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary pads, toilet paper, soap, and face cloths. The leftover items will go towards extra boxes. “Thank you to the school community for the kind donations. You have been absolutely amazing in this initiative, and Interact is extremely grateful for the constant generosity and support,” said Ms Candice de Villiers (Head of Interact Society).  Mr Vaughan Stannard (Lerato’s Hope Director) joined the school for an assembly before the packing, to set the tone for the day. He thanked the school for their donations, explained more about Lerato’s Hope. Stannard elaborated that they are part of a network of churches that collect items for disaster relief, and that the hygiene boxes are one of the ways they can respond to people in need who might need to be relocated, and whose challenges are often not seen by those living in Pinelands.

As Mandela famously said, “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice.” Stannard reminded the school that they are an important part of the big chain that is involved as “working with the community is always better than doing it all ourselves”. He encouraged pupils to see themselves as more than people from Pinelands or Cape Town, or even South Africa, but rather a community member of a city that has lots of challenges and injustices – pupils too can make a difference.Stannard said: “We are so grateful to Cannons Creek High School. They’ve been such wonderful partners over the years. They’ve always helped with packing events and this year they’ve also raised so many items through the generosity of the students and the parents. I want to say thank you very much for celebrating and remembering and honouring Mandela Day today. Thank you for being nation builders and for the way that you’re raising and educating the kids. Thank you to all the children for your enthusiasm in all the packing. We really appreciate it.”

Jordan Benson from Scripture Union, was also a guest at the assembly who spoke about the importance of giving. She explained that it was a cycle, that although it might cost you time, energy, comfort; when you give – others grow, you grow in terms of your character and the community. She pointed out that if Nelson Mandela had focused only on what he could get – we wouldn’t have the freedom we have today. She encouraged the pupils – “Pay attention to what’s happening in the world around you, see how you can make a difference.” She left the assembly with the words “Let this not be a one-time act of kindness. This could be the beginning of a lifestyle of giving, of becoming a better person.”

Taejung Lee (Grade 8) making every day a Mandela Day, by packing hygiene boxes – bringing dignity and care to those in need.

Grade 7 pupils Emma Shepherd and Mia Mossick, packing with purpose for Mandela Day – showing that one small act of kindness can make the world of difference.

67 (complete) hygiene boxes packed for 67 minutes for Mandela Day by Cannons Creek Independent School.

Cannons Creek Interact Society members pose with all the items donated for the packing of boxes: Ms Bridgit Taruvinga (Lerato’s Hope Coordinator), Imrah Bardien, Ms Candice de Villiers (Head of Interact Society), Sophia Stamatiadis, Amarachi Zondi (Interact Society Chairperson) and Mr Vaughan Stannard (Lerato’s Hope Director).

Hannah Van Aarde (Grade 11) assists Mr Vaughan Stannard (Lerato’s Hope Director) with assembling the donated toothbrushes, waiting to be packed into hygiene boxes.

Hygiene Heroes in the making – Grade 10 pupils Daniel Arnold, Luke Wong Ho, and Nate Thackwray pose proudly with their completed boxes.

Grade 10 pupils Lara St Jerry, Ben le Roux and Nathan McComb showing that hygiene is a right, not a privilege

Grade 8 pupils Abigail Odendaal and Gabriella De Stefanis at the end of the assembly line, taping up the boxes – ready to be distributed to those in need.

Grade 8 pupils Melle Zuidgeest, Taejung Lee, Oratile Tlale, and Rofhiwa Tshikhudo honouring Mandela’s legacy by giving back to the community.

Mr Vaughan Stannard (Lerato’s Hope Director) during his address to the school.

Ms Jordan Benson from Scripture Union, during her address to the school, during assembly.

Grade 9 pupils Georgie Crede, Aasiyah Patel, and Kai Jackson enjoyed making their 67 minutes count

. Grade 11 pupils packing out the donated items before the assembly line of packing boxes begins with the other grades.