Founded on Tuesday, 18 July 2023, as a positive catalyst for change, the movement embodies the spirit of South Africa's Constitution and celebrates Mandela's legacy of collaboration, reimagination and uplifting the community, says JMJ.

The JMJ movement focusses on igniting civic activism and creating sustainable solutions to the social and economic challenges many people are facing, says JMJ. 

Mandela's vision of freedom was not just about removing oppressive laws but also transforming mindsets and social conditions to enable all people to truly live free. JMJ says that Mandela's words and actions have inspired the JMJ movement.

'Adopt a Project' Every Day

"Our 'Adopt a Project' plans for #MandelaDay2024 — and every day — demonstrate a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the city and its residents. By focussing on early childhood development, food security and social justice and by engaging individuals, corporations and communities to take action, we are working to create a more equitable, resilient and vibrant Johannesburg and a better world for all," says Bea Swanepoel, CEO of JMJ. 

“Our goal is to engage the greater community of Joburg to work with us to create a safe and clean environment in our inner city, to make the act of volunteerism fun and to honour Mandela's legacy by making a positive and lasting impact — all this to encourage people back into the CBD to work, study, play and live in a safe and secure environment," says Swanepoel.

The 365-day 'Adopt a Project' campaign encourages everyone to volunteer their time and skills all year round to make a difference. The online portal gives people the option of directly choosing a project, big or small, and are suitable for families, couples, individuals, learners, or small businesses. They will also change frequently with new projects uploaded as the needs are met, says the movement.

JMJ says that its plans for Mandela Day 2024 are also aligned with the Nelson Mandela Foundation's priority social justice areas — early childhood development, food security and just cities. The movement encourages individuals to identify those in need around them and do what they can to make a difference for them.

Individuals are encouraged to sign up here to volunteer and donate. 

Biggest Inner-City Clean-Up

JMJ says that it is also hosting an inner city clean-up initiative on Thursday, 18 July for Mandela Day.

More than 15 corporates have pledged to participate in the clean-ups taking place across Hillbrow and the Health Precinct, Joubert Park, Ellis Park, Lorentzville and Bertrams, according to the movement. 

These corporates include:

  • Anglo American
  • De Beers
  • Nando's
  • IQbusiness
  • Absa
  • FNB
  • Nedbank
  • Standard Bank
  • Hollard
  • AFHCO
  • TUHF
  • Maharishi Invincibility Institute
  • Wits Health
  • UJ Doornfontein Campus
  • Wits and UJ SRC teams
  • the Gauteng Provincial Government, and
  • City of Joburg Councillors.

JMJ says that it will be joined by a number of NGOs from the inner city, including, Eyakho Environmental Group, Dotted "O" Foundation in Hillbrow and Hillbrow eKhaya.

With more than 3 500 employees from these organisations committing their time and efforts to this major clean-up, the aim is to not only improve the physical appearance of the city, but also to bring people together and foster a sense of community pride and ownership, says JMJ. 

Irene Mafune, regional director of CRUM Region F of the City of Johannesburg, says, "It reflects a collective effort and dedication to revitalising the inner city of Johannesburg and addressing urban decay, which has led to the deterioration of certain areas. As a result, it has caused businesses and private companies to vacate the CBD, exacerbating the already high levels of unemployment."

"The goal of this Mandela Day clean-up is to rejuvenate Hillbrow and bring back the shine of this once vibrant jewel of the city, to make a positive impact, to enhance the environment and to cultivate a sense of communal pride," says Mafune. 

"The city plans to harness its fundamental services to play a part in reigniting the inner city and accelerating service delivery, which can serve as an impetus to the invaluable JMJ activities. These public-private partnerships cannot be overemphasised as they certainly accelerate the redevelopment of target areas," adds Mafune. 

"While this inner city clean-up is being supported by registered corporates, we call on all the residents of Jozi to do their bit on 18 July by cleaning up the areas around their homes or workplaces — and to make this a sustainable and lasting effort throughout the year. We ask everyone to join us, as it is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity," concludes Swanepoel.

Individuals are encouraged to sign up here to join the #JoziMyJozi movement. 

For more information, visit www.jozimyjozi.com. You can also follow JMJ on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor