A gallery with a difference in celebration of Mandela Month to be launched in Pretoria
By CityLife Arts Writer
This gallery is launch is, July 4, 2025, at Menlyn Maine Shopping Centre in Pretoria, and the public is encouraged to go visit.
Menlyn Maine Central Square, in partnership with 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, The Scoin Shop, and Embassy Direct, have come together to launch this Gallery of Giving, an initiative to honour Mandela Month, this July.
South Africans are familiar with Mandela Day, which takes place on 18 July to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. This day is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact in their communities.
“We will mark Mandela Day on 18 July, with a dedicated activity, but we have committed to using the whole month of July to commemorate Mandela Month. In South Africa, July is more than a date—it’s a month to celebrate Madiba’s legacy. His stories of courage and compassion inspire us to build a future together,” said Natasha Koning, Centre Manager for Menlyn Maine Central Square.
Hosted at Menlyn Maine’s Central Square, the Gallery of Givingshowcases exclusive handmade blankets crafted by volunteers from 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, as well as over thirty Mandela-inspired artworks from a private collection.
“The Gallery of Giving is a fantastic opportunity to exhibit the incredible handiwork of some of our volunteers who have dedicated hours and exceptional skill to produce these blankets, which are true masterpieces. Twinning blankets with this collection of Mandela-themed fine art creates a wonderful gallery experience for the public to enjoy – and serves as a reminder to engage in meaningful acts of charity,” says Carolyn Steyn, Philanthropist and Founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.
“The Gallery of Givingis about weaving generosity into our community’s fabric,” said RaelDemby, CEO of The Scoin Shop. “We have been linked to 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day since it started in 2014. Carolyn Steyn invited us to get involved, and we’ve been behind this wonderful initiative ever since”
This year, everyone is invited to visit the Gallery of Giving and join in making a difference this Mandela Month. The Gallery of Giving opens to the public on Friday, July 4th. Visitors can browse the exhibition until July 31st.