Nelson Mandela University to host ‘hugest happiness blanket
in the world’
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 March 20, 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.
(Above: On April 21, 2015, to mark 21 years of democracy in South Africa 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day smashed the Guinness World Record for the “The Largest Crochet Blanket in the World” measuring 3,377 square meters at the Union Buildings in Pretoria)
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.
Founder Carolyn Steyn states: “The ethos of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has always been about spreading warmth and happiness. 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 – March 20– 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.
(Above: Stuttaford Van Lines is a highly valuable major supporter of 67 Blankets, providing transport for the huge number of blankets that need to be transported to the next major function)
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 March 20 and 21, 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 March 20 at the University’s Second Avenue Campus to experience the installation and celebrate the International Day of Happiness in a meaningful way.
**One of the KZN 67 Blankets ambassador is artSMart owner and creator, Caroline Smart – contact her on csmart@iafrica.com
67 Blankets Website: www.67blankets.co.za
Facebook: @67BlanketsForNelsonMandelaDay
Instagram: @67blankets
Nelson Mandela University: Website | Instagram | Facebook
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