Ekurhuleni \u2013 get your knitting needles and crochet hooks ready \u2013 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day is coming soon.<\/p>\n
On February 7, \u201cKnitwits for Madiba\u201d will unite at the Adelaide Tambo Cultural Centre, in Wattville, Benoni, from 10.30am to 3pm, for a Knit-a-thon.<\/p>
This activity forms part of the My Body My Space festival of public arts.<\/p>\n
The festival has been coordinated by The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative (FATC) and will take place between February 2 and 7.<\/p>
Featuring a range of works by Johannesburg\u2019s top contemporary choreographers and dance companies, community-based artists and crafters, it celebrates 20 years of democracy as it explores issues relating to gender violence and the impact of HIV\/Aids.<\/p>\n
It aims to re-stitch communities and spaces that have previously been separated, to shine a light on the role of women, children and other vulnerable members of society, and to find a shared voice and experience critical, personal and social issues.<\/p>\n
Alba Letts, the divisional head of the arts, culture and heritage department of sports, recreation, arts and culture for the metro, said: \u201cWe are very excited about partnering with 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day and encourage the community of Ekurhuleni to get involved in this do-good movement.\u201d<\/p>\n
The movement has already hosted Knit-a-thons on Robben Island, at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick, at Madiba\u2019s old stomping ground – Vilakazi Street in Orlando West, Soweto – and at the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton \u2013 now it’s Ekurhuleni\u2019s turn.<\/p>\n
Carolyn Steyn, the founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, said: \u201cBoth veteran knitters and novices are encouraged to attend the Knit-a-thon.<\/p>\n
\u201cCrochet lessons will take place throughout the day.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to collect 21 000 blankets from around South Africa before April 2015.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese blankets will first be displayed at the feet of the Nelson Mandela statue, at the Union Buildings, on April 21.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will be to celebrate 21 years of democracy in our country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Airlink and Stuttaford Van Lines have come on board to collect the thousands of blankets from all around South Africa.<\/p>\n
They will then return the blankets to their places of origin, to be distributed to those in need, as soon as the cold strikes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Tambos were close friends of Madiba, so the venue in Ekurhuleni is very significant,\u201d Steyn said.<\/p>\n
For more information visit the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day (South Africa) Facebook Page, follow the group on Twitter @67blankets or visit www.67blankets.co.za.<\/p>\n