The campaign invites South Africans to actively participate in restoring dignity to the country's most vulnerable communities, says the organisation. Operating in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gqeberha and Kempton Park, MES is using Mandela Month to tackle issues at the heart of urban poverty: food insecurity, homelessness, lack of sanitation and barriers to education. MES currently provides over 532 safe beds nightly across the country at the average cost of R150 per bed.

According to the organisation, an estimated 60% of urban families face daily indignities caused by poverty, lack of access and social exclusion. MES is addressing this through targeted interventions across five focus areas:

  • Education and Literacy: MES is calling for donations of books, uniforms and stationery, as well as volunteers to offer reading mentorship, skills workshops and career guidance.
  • Food and Nutrition: With one in five families going hungry daily, the campaign supports community kitchens, food sponsorships and nutrition education.
  • Shelter: With over 532 beds provided each night, MES continues to fight rising homelessness by offering temporary and long-term housing solutions.
  • Sanitisation: Clean water and hygiene facilities are vital. Support is needed for hygiene kits, clean-up efforts and maintenance of shelter bathrooms.
  • Active Citizenship: The campaign urges South Africans to go beyond donations — encouraging leadership, advocacy and servant-led community engagement.

The 'Restoring Dignity' campaign runs from Tuesday, 1 July to Saturday, 2 August, with each week focusing on a different theme — from food security to active citizenship. Participants can volunteer, donate at their nearest MES shelter or share their stories using the hashtag #MESMandelaMonth to inspire others, concludes the organisation.

Individuals are encouraged to join the movement here.

For more information, visit www.mes.org.za. You can also follow Mould Empower Serve on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of Facebook