Every year on July 18, South Africans are called to give 67 minutes of their time in honour of Nelson Mandela's 67 years of public service. But Mandela Day isn't just about volunteering — it's about community. And one of the most powerful things you can do this Mandela Day is **support a local business or cause near you**.
Here are some ideas to make your 67 minutes count — and how to find local opportunities right in your neighbourhood.
Skip the big chain this week. Find a local food seller, spaza shop, or street vendor in your area and spend your lunch money there. Not sure who's nearby? Platforms like [UbuntuMap](https://ubuntumap.com) let you see local businesses pinned on a live map — food sellers, home-based businesses, and more, all posted by real people in your community.
Take 10 minutes to post about a small business you love on WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram. Word of mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool for township and suburban small businesses alike.
Mandela Day is also a reminder that economic participation is a form of service. If you've been sitting on a skill — baking, tutoring, repairs, design — post it. Add it to your local community group or drop a pin on [UbuntuMap](https://ubuntumap.com) so people near you can find you.
Search for NPOs in your city that need hands on July 18. Many organisations post calls for volunteers on community boards, Facebook groups, and local directories.
Organise a neighbourhood clean-up. Post the event on community platforms so others can join. The more visible it is, the more people pitch up.
Spend 67 minutes teaching a neighbour, younger family member, or community member something useful — CV writing, basic coding, a recipe, a trade skill.
Help an elderly neighbour or local business owner get listed online. Set up a profile for them on [UbuntuMap](https://ubuntumap.com) or help them join a local Facebook group. Digital inclusion is community service too.
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Mandela Day is a reminder that **ubuntu — I am because we are** — is still alive in South Africa. Start with one local action this July 18. It adds up.
*Know a local business that deserves a shoutout? Post them on UbuntuMap and put them on the map — literally.*