Mandela Month Magic: Moments that moved AKB
July was nothing short of magical at Abraham Kriel Bambanani. It was a month where compassion, community, and connection took centre stage. From joyful visits to bold steps taken at the 702 Walk the Talk, every moment reminded us of the power of unity and kindness.
One of the biggest highlights was the 702 Walk the Talk on Sunday, 27th July. Thanks to our generous donors who sponsored “Madiba Magic Packs”, a group of our children laced up their takkies and joined thousands of walkers on the streets of Pretoria. What made the day truly special was not just the exercise, but the confidence and joy it brought to our children.
One of the children shared: “I would like to start off by sending my gratitude for the experience and the amazing day I had. Walk the Talk was an event that showcased the experience of socialising and showing fitness… I never thought I would pull it off with so much people there – thousands of people – but the event showed me I can be fearless.” – Nandi*, 15
That same spirit of boldness and connection resonated throughout the rest of the month, especially during Mandela Day, when we welcomed visitors who gave their 67 minutes and more.
We were deeply touched by every individual, corporate team, volunteer and group who chose to spend their time with us. Whether you were painting, cooking, playing with our children, facilitating activities, donating essentials, or simply being present, your actions left an impact. You brought light and joy into spaces that needed it most.
Mandela Month reminded us that when people show up with open hearts, incredible things happen. The laughter shared, the memories made, and the hope sparked in our beneficiaries’ eyes are a testament to the magic that happens when we come together. Thank you for helping us turn July into a month of movement, meaning, and magic.
*Pseudonym
Mandela-maand-oomblikke wat AKB geraak het
Julie het ’n spesiale gevoel van hoop en opgewondenheid gebring na Abraham Kriel Bambanani — en u, ons gewaardeerde donateur en vriend, was deel daarvan. Dit was ’n maand gevul met medemenslikheid, gemeenskapsgees en betekenisvolle oomblikke wat ons kinders geïnspireer het en hul selfvertroue versterk het.
Een van die hoogtepunte was ons kinders se deelname aan die 702 Walk the Talk. Danksy u ondersteuning kon ’n groep van ons Langlaagte-meisies hul tekkies vasmaak en saam met duisende stappers die strate van Pretoria verken. Hulle het ook elkeen ‘n “Madiba-Magic pak” ontvang. Die dag het nie net fisieke aktiwiteit bevorder nie, maar ook ’n gevoel van trots, vreugde en durf in ons meisies wakker gemaak.
Nandi*, 15 jaar oud, het haar ervaring só verwoord: “Dit was ‘n wonderlike ervaring en ek het die dag baie geniet. Ek het nie gedink ek sal so ver kan stap nie, met soveel mense daar nie – duisende mense – maar die geleentheid het my gewys ek kan vreesloos wees.”
Ons was oorweldig deur die aantal besoekers wat op die 18 Julie, 67 minute (en meer) by ons spandeer het.
Ons harte is diep geraak deur elke individu, korporatiewe span, vrywilliger en groep wat hul tyd saam met ons deurgebring het. Of jy geverf het, gekook het, met ons kinders gespeel het, aktiwiteite gefasiliteer het, noodsaaklikhede geskenk het, of bloot teenwoordig was—jou teenwoordigheid het ’n verskil gemaak. Jy het lig en vreugde gebring na plekke wat dit die nodigste gehad het.
Mandela-maand het ons daaraan herinner dat wanneer mense met oop harte opdaag, ongelooflike dinge gebeur. Die lag wat gedeel is, die herinneringe wat geskep is, en die hoop wat in ons begunstigdes se oë geflits het, is ’n getuienis van die magie wat ontstaan wanneer ons saamkom.
Dankie dat jy gehelp het om Julie te omskep in ’n maand van beweging, betekenis en betowering.
*Skuilnaam