While many marked Mandela Day with a symbolic 67 minutes, Workshop17 turned up the volume, stretching time, effort and imagination across the country. From food for shelter dogs and books for township kids to lunch packs for safety teams and blankets for families in need, every Workshop17 location became a launchpad for meaningful, ground-level action. No hashtags, no speeches. Just people showing up and getting it done.
From Ballito to Cape Town, Workshop17 teams and members stepped forward this Mandela Day with one clear focus: show up, roll up sleeves and make a real difference.
Each Workshop17 location took initiative, driving its own outreach efforts in support of communities, organisations and individuals doing crucial work on the ground. The result was a series of direct, personal contributions honouring the spirit of Nelson Mandela, not just for 67 minutes but across the season.
“Our spaces are built on the principle of collaboration,” said Paul Keursten, CEO of Workshop17. “Mandela Day gives us a moment to extend that collaboration beyond our doors. Every location shaped its own response, working with local partners and members to support people who serve their communities every day.”
In Cape Town, all W17 locations partnered with the Kolisi Foundation for a wide-reaching blanket drive, helping to bring warmth to those in need this winter. Over at W17 20 Kloof Street, a collaboration with fintech company headquartered at the location, Yoco, and the animal shelter, Oscar’s Arc, saw people drop off blankets, food and toys for shelter animals, with the added incentive of a free coffee for donors.
Up in Johannesburg, W17 Hyde Park Corner joined forces with Tshikululu Social Investments to collect and distribute blankets, while W17 West Street partnered with Afrika Tikkun’s Phutha Dichaba Centre in Alexandra to gather essential dry goods and non-perishables for local families.
Meanwhile, W17 Firestation in Rosebank turned the spotlight on literacy. Partnering with Read Alex Initiative, the team rallied for book donations for children aged 7 to 15, encouraging participants to include personal notes of encouragement in every book donated.
In Ballito, Workshop17 staff and members came together early on Mandela Day to prepare lunch packs for the local Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) and security teams. Each pack included a handmade thank-you note for those who keep the area safe and clean year-round.
“Our members bring energy, care and imagination to everything they do. Mandela Day gave them a chance to show that in ways that matter beyond business,” said Keursten.
Founded in 2012, Workshop17 is a network of shared workspaces across South Africa designed to support entrepreneurs, teams and businesses of all sizes. With a deep focus on community and sustainability, the organisation believes in turning workspace into a platform for connection, growth and social impact.
This year’s Mandela Day efforts underline that mission, transforming every location into a hub for generosity, empathy and action.
