City Sightseeing, the Johannesburg Inner city Partnership, Stuttaford van Lines, and the United Ethiopian Community Association join forces for Mandela Day

This Mandela Day, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day celebrates a remarkable 11 years of the beloved Secret Scarves, Shh… initiative — wrapping South Africa in warmth, colour, and kindness. 

On Friday, 18 July at 11:00, Port Plein Park in Johannesburg’s CBD will become a sea of scarves, lovingly tied to trees and railings for anyone in need to take — no strings attached.

This year’s activation brings together a powerful team of partners: City Sightseeing Joburg, Stuttaford van Lines, the Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP), and the United Ethiopian Community Association in South Africa, who will provide hot soup and hospitality for those gathering in the park.

The iconic City Sightseeing red double-decker bus and Stuttaford van Lines will depart from Rosebank , carrying the KnitWits and their creations into the city. The bus will park along the Walkable Network on Nugget Street, adjacent to Port Plein Park (bordered by Marshall, Anderson, Nugget and Goud Streets), where volunteers will adorn the space with scarves for the taking.

The United Ethiopian Community Association in South Africa will serve soup in the park, creating a space of nourishment, warmth, and human connection. Members of the public are welcome to join in hanging the knitted scarves up in the park or may also donate their own hand-knitted scarf. 

In fact, people across the country can contribute hand-knitted or crocheted scarves for the initiatives taking place at various locations. Scarves may be dropped off at one of the many ambassadors across the country – check the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day Facebook page for locations and the website www.67blankets for  the ambassadors near you. 

David van Niekerk, CEO of the Johannesburg Inner City Partnership, says: “We are proud to support initiatives that breathe dignity, warmth, and safety back into the inner city. At the JICP, we believe in connecting people, place, and purpose — and Secret Scarves Shh… is a perfect expression of that. This project activates the Walkable Network in a way that uplifts lives and reminds us of what can be achieved when we come together.”

Stuttaford van Lines a long-time partner of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day once again joins the effort by delivering scarves to site—reinforcing the vibrant partnership between themselves and 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day- united not only by mission but by action, care, and connection.

Lisa Nel, from City Sightseeing Johannesburg, adds: “We are incredibly proud to partner with 67 Blankets for Mandela Day this year. By assisting with the distribution of scarves, we’re not just giving warmth—we’re weaving together compassion, unity, and the spirit of Madiba. Every scarf is a tangible reminder that someone cares, and together, we can brighten winter for those in need.”

The scarves for the Port Plein Park initiative have been made by the ever-passionate KnitWits for Madiba and students from Parktown Girls’ High School, proving that when communities come together—magic happens.

With special thanks to the Main Marshall Improvement District, the Community Policing Forum, SAPS, and all those who continue to keep this area maintained and safe.