On the 18th of July 2025, StreetBiz Foundation’s Be a Nelson Movement stepped into the shoes of Nelson Mandela, championing the spirit of Ubuntu by actively supporting waste pickers across South Africa. This Mandela Day initiative was a profound statement of solidarity and gratitude towards individuals whose critical role in waste management often goes unrecognised.
The initiative unfolded simultaneously across five provinces, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, and Western Cape, reaching a remarkable total of 137 waste pickers. Each province independently organised activities tailored specifically to their local communities’ needs, funded by StreetBiz Foundation’s allocation of R10,000 (R2,000 per province). The event vividly showcased how collective action rooted in compassion can create a substantial impact.
In the Eastern Cape, care packages were thoughtfully prepared and distributed to 10 waste pickers. The thoughtful inclusion of items such as building gloves, socks, individual coffee flasks, and a large 3-litre flask for hot water demonstrated practical consideration. Notably touching was the story of a woman who, upon receiving a much-needed pair of socks, visibly moved those around her with gratitude. Pilasande also navigated complex local concerns, addressing critical social challenges such as petty crime linked to scrap metal desperation, reflecting StreetBiz Foundation’s commitment to holistic community solutions.
KwaZulu-Natal’s vibrant celebration engaged 20 waste pickers in partnership with the Palmer Waste Management Centre in Durban CBD. This extended Mandela Day session was not only an act of immediate generosity, providing care packages with essentials like beanies, coffee mugs, and tissues, but also served as a foundational step toward deeper collaborations. Positive exchanges with the Palmer team hinted at future projects and proposals aimed at enhancing waste entrepreneurship, aligning perfectly with StreetBiz Foundation’s ongoing “Access to Waste Management Capacity Building” project. Media coverage of the event highlighted both the joyful interactions and the strategic partnerships being forged.
In Gauteng, a simple yet powerful gesture reached 10 waste pickers, each receiving masks, gloves, mini blankets and fresh fruit, a clear demonstration of community care in action. Meanwhile, Free State province displayed impressive empathy and comprehensive support in their packages, which included essentials like gloves, masks, water bottles, and even personal hygiene items, reflecting a deep understanding of recipients’ needs.
Western Cape’s ambitious initiative reached an extraordinary 87 waste pickers, demonstrating significant scale and impact. Their practical approach of distributing reusable bags along with nourishing meals of hot dogs and juice provided immediate comfort and sustenance, echoing the spirit of Mandela’s dedication to community service.
These activities not only honoured Mandela’s legacy but also underscored the broader mission of StreetBiz Foundation and its dedicated Nelsons: to foster community resilience and inclusive economic growth through practical initiatives and strategic partnerships. By directly connecting with waste pickers, individuals pivotal to the circular economy, the Nelsons reinforced StreetBiz’s vision of waste management not merely as an environmental duty but as a crucial pathway to dignity, recognition, and sustainable livelihoods.
StreetBiz Foundation’s steadfast backing of the Nelsons has clearly illustrated the power of combined efforts, bringing tangible support and fostering a culture of care and mutual respect. This Mandela Day, beyond the giving and receiving, a profound narrative emerged, one of mutual appreciation, strengthened community bonds, and future-focused collaboration.
As the stories from Mandela Day 2025 continue to resonate, StreetBiz Foundation and its Nelsons look forward to further building on this momentum, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to transforming waste management into an opportunity for community empowerment and sustainable development. Indeed, as Mandela famously said, “It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it,” and the Nelsons are proudly answering that call.