​On Monday, games and storytelling were part of the activities that took place at one of the Non-Profit Organizations in Dlamini, Soweto as part of Mandela Day 67 minutes of service.
More than 70 children between the age of 5 and 10 from Dlamini, Mofolo and surrounding areas gathered at Vuli’s Book Club to celebrate the birthday of the world’s statemen and first democratic South African President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

Vuli’s Book Club and Book Ibhoni are the organizations in Soweto which encourage children to read books and learn how to tell a story.

Mpumelelo Mtintso from Book Ibhoni in Orlando West, says they train children to ride bicycles and allow them to read their books and on the other hand their partners the Vuli’s Book Club assists children with their homework every day and trains them on how to knit their own jerseys.

Nomvula Msimango of Vuli’s Book Club says they also serve soup and bread every Saturday.

“I was impressed with the attendance because I never expected these numbers because schools have just reopened and we were able to fulfill our objectives with Book Ibhoni,” says Msimango.

“As a non-profit organization we experience challenges with the funding and since some of the children rely on our soup kitchen, I have to make sure that I use what I have to buy bread for them to eat. I also receive donation of wool to train them on how to knit. To some people knitting looks old fashioned, but the kids enjoy it,” she added.
Mtintso says the children were happy and what made the day more interesting was that we were joined by some organisations in facilitating the playing of games.

“A minibus full of staff members saw children playing games and singing and they decided to come and join us. The day was well spent with our visitors interacting with the little once,” says Mtintso.

Seven year old Thato Mokoena was one of the children who attended the Mandela Day activity. Thato says she and her friend decided to bath and join other children when they saw a group of Book Ibhoni cyclists pass on their street.