Cape Town, 15 July 2026: Liberty Promenade is calling on the Mitchells Plain community to mark Mandela Month by backing the Top 13 finalists in its Power of Sport campaign, celebrating local sporting organisations that are creating lasting change through opportunity, teamwork and community development.

On Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July 2026, from 11:00 to 14:00 in the Food District, shoppers will have the opportunity to meet the finalist organisations in the mall, hear how they are making a difference through sport and cast their vote for the organisation they believe deserves to be named the Power of Sport winner. Visitors are also encouraged to explore ways to get involved by joining, volunteering or supporting these clubs as they continue their important work across Mitchells Plain.

The 13 finalist organisations are 9Miles Project, Home Fighters Netball Club, House of Power Karate Academy, Just Planting Seeds, Karate Satori, Khaye Gymnastics Club, Lentegeur Volleyball Club, Play Sport4Life, Red Rovers FC, Tafelzucht, Woodlands Archery Academy, Westridge Football Club and Westridge Yankees.

The atmosphere will be brought to life with lucky draw giveaways for shoppers who vote. City Afro Bucket Drumming will perform live on Saturday 18 and Saturday 25 July, adding vibrant entertainment to the celebrations.

Every vote helps shine a spotlight on organisations that are inspiring hope, developing young talent and strengthening the local community. Liberty Promenade encourages residents to come along, support their favourite finalist and experience the Power of Sport in action this Mandela Month.

For more information on the finalists and campaign, visit libertypromenade.co.za or follow Liberty Promenade on social media.

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Johannesburg, 14 July 2026: Bedford Centre is marking Nelson Mandela Month by allowing shoppers to make a genuine difference through two community initiatives that support local charities and bring people together through simple acts of kindness.

Throughout July, visitors can help create handmade blankets for those in need as part of the return of the much-loved Hooked on Kindness campaign, before browsing for their next great read at the annual Germiston SPCA Book Fair, where every purchase helps care for vulnerable animals.

Stitching Together a Warmer Winter

From 13 to 19 July, Bedford Centre will once again partner with the dedicated volunteers from Edenvale KnitsWits for “Hooked on Kindness.” The stand, located on the upper level opposite Spur, invites shoppers to view beautiful handcrafted blankets, learn something new and contribute towards a cause that brings warmth to those who need it most.

Whether you’re an experienced knitter, a keen crocheter or someone who has always wanted to give it a try, all are welcome. Visitors can donate knitted or crocheted squares, purchase wool for the KnitsWits team, take a seat and learn the basics from the volunteers.

Every square crafted this week will become part of a handmade blanket that will help keep vulnerable members of the community warm during the colder months.

Books That Give Back

The spirit of giving continues on Friday, 25 July, when the popular Germiston SPCA Book Fair returns to Bedford Centre from 10h00 to 14h00.

Taking place on the Lower Level opposite Pick n Pay, the book fair offers hundreds of pre-loved books from just R10 each. From bestselling novels and children’s favourites to cookbooks, biographies and unexpected treasures, something is waiting to be discovered on every table.

Every book sold helps raise vital funds for the Germiston SPCA, supporting its ongoing work rescuing, caring for and protecting animals in the local community.

“Nelson Mandela Month reminds us that making a difference doesn’t always require grand gestures,” said Bedford Management. “Sometimes it starts with learning a new skill, donating a ball of wool or buying a second-hand book. These are simple ways for people to come together, support local organisations and help make a real difference in the lives of others.”

Whether spending a few minutes learning to crochet, contributing towards a blanket or taking home a pre-loved book, Bedford Centre invites shoppers to become part of a month of generosity, connection and community.

For more information about Bedford Centre, its stores and upcoming events, visit Bedford’s website bedfordcentre.com  or follow @bedfordcentre on social media.

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Johannesburg, 7 July 2026 – A community-driven initiative supported by Eastgate Shopping Centre has transformed the Children’s Fun Corner at Bedfordview Library into a more welcoming and inspiring space. The refreshed area encourages children to read, explore their creativity and feel at home while promoting a lasting love of literacy.

Officially unveiled on Saturday, 4 July, the upgraded space brought together local schools, community stakeholders and library representatives in a combined effort to create a meaningful and lasting impact for children and families who regularly use the library.

A Brighter Space for Young Readers

As part of the refresh, outdated wall art, furniture and structures have been removed and some items restored to create a lighter and more inviting environment. The upgraded Children’s Fun Corner also introduced new seating for children, including colourful chairs and bean bags, alongside a decorative feature element designed to create a dedicated and welcoming identity for the space.

At the heart of the refresh are seven custom-painted canvas murals created by learners from local schools, adding colour, imagination and a sense of community ownership to the library environment. Participating schools included Bedfordview Primary School, Reddam House Bedfordview, St Andrew’s School for Girls, St Benedict’s College and St Luke’s College.

By investing in the Children’s Fun Corner, Eastgate aims to support literacy and early learning by helping create an educational environment where children can read, imagine and engage comfortably.

Celebrating Community and Creativity

To mark the completion of the revamp, Eastgate hosted a small unveiling event at the Bedfordview Library, attended by community stakeholders, local leadership, library representatives, and guests. The occasion included a special performance by the Reddam School orchestra, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

The unveiling also coincided with the monthly Children’s Fun Corner event, held on the first Saturday of every month. Hosted by Adv Mona Naidoo and Vis Naidoo, the themed programme invites children and their parents to enjoy a morning of storytelling, learning and creative activities designed to encourage a love of reading. The 4 July event was particularly special, as it marked the third birthday of the Children’s Fun Corner reading programme, allowing regular attendees to celebrate the milestone in the newly upgraded space.

“Libraries are incredibly important spaces where children can learn, imagine and build a lifelong relationship with reading,” said Saadiyah Kahn, General Manager at Eastgate Shopping Centre. “We wanted to contribute to creating an environment that feels brighter, more welcoming and encourages young readers to spend time discovering the joy of books,” she added.

For more details and regular updates on Eastgate, its stores, events and projects, visit eastgateshops.com or follow Eastgate on social media @eastgateshoppingcentre.

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Cape Town, 13 May 2026: As Mandela Day 2026 approaches, Liberty Promenade Mall is calling on residents across the Western Cape to recognise the often-overlooked sporting heroes making a real difference in their communities. Through its latest initiative, “The Power of Sport,” the mall aims to honour coaches, volunteers, mentors and grassroots sports organisations that are using sport as a tool to build confidence, encourage discipline, strengthen unity and create opportunities for South Africa’s youth.

Building on the success of previous community-focused Mandela Day initiatives, this year’s initiative recognises the individuals and programmes creating meaningful social impact through grassroots sport in their communities.

From local soccer fields and rugby clubs to netball courts, tennis programmes, chess groups, athletics initiatives, dance organisations and community fitness projects, the mall aims to shine a light on the people creating safer spaces, stronger support systems and positive opportunities for young people through sport.

Celebrating Community Champions

South Africans share a deep passion for the sport and love the way it unites communities and inspires resilience. Through The Power of Sport, Liberty Promenade is recognising the everyday sporting heroes whose commitment extends far beyond the game itself.

Shoppers are invited to nominate deserving sports organisations, coaches, teams, mentors and youth development initiatives that are making a positive difference in their areas until 29 May 2026.

Shortlisted nominees will form part of a special Mandela Day exhibition inside the centre later this year. The exhibition will feature striking portraits, team stories and community achievements, showcasing how sport continues to change lives and create safer, healthier futures for young people and families.

One selected sports organisation or initiative will receive support of up to R20 000 towards equipment, facilities, programme growth or development needs.

“Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together and create positive change in communities. Through this campaign, we want to recognise the organisations dedicating their time and energy to uplifting young people and creating opportunities through sport,” said Brenda Bibby, general manager at Promenade. “These are the local champions helping build confidence, leadership and connection every single day.”

How To Nominate a Sporting Hero

Community members can nominate a local sports organisation online via the Mandela Day – PowerOfSport Application | Liberty Promenade, or follow Liberty Promenade on Facebook, Instagram @libertypromenademall_za, and TikTok @libertypromenademall.

Nominations close on 29 May 2026. A verification process will be conducted to confirm the authenticity of all submissions.

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East London, 13 March 2026: This Human Rights Day, Vincent Park is opening its doors to the community for a day of learning, understanding and connection at its Autism Awareness Fair. In partnership with the ELAN – Empowering Lives, Affirming Neurodiversity organisation, formerly known as the East London Autism Network, on Saturday 21 March, the centre invites families, caregivers and shoppers to explore practical support, meet experts and join conversations that celebrate neurodiversity.

Learn from Experts and Explore Support

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet a range of professionals, including speech therapists, counselling services, drama facilitators, a qualified yoga specialist and representatives from Autism South Africa and Makaton. The University of Fort Hare and local sensory toy providers will also be present, offering practical advice, tools and experiences that support autistic individuals and their families.

Breaking Myths and Encouraging Understanding

The fair will also tackle common misconceptions about autism, such as the idea that meltdowns are bad behaviour, autism looks the same in everyone, or autistic people do not want friends. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, visitors can gain insight, ask questions and feel confident supporting the autistic community.

“ELAN is thrilled to be hosting the fair at Vincent Park. We are grateful for the support we have received from the centre and its staff. We hope that all visitors will gain valuable knowledge about autism,” shared Claire Macdonald, co-founder of ELAN.

Vincent Park hopes the event will spark meaningful conversations, reduce stigma and make support more accessible. By hosting the fair in the centre, families can connect with trained professionals in a welcoming space while enjoying the community around them. Attendance to the fair is free.

Visit the mall’s website for more information: vincentpark.co.za or follow the mall on social media for regular updates.

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East London, 26 February 2026: This month of love, Vincent Park invites East Londoners to slow down and look at love through a wider, more personal lens. With the launch of Love Beyond Valentines, the centre is encouraging shoppers to celebrate the people who show up every day, not just romantic partners, but friends, teachers, colleagues, relatives and even strangers whose kindness has left a mark on their lives.

At the heart of the campaign is a simple but powerful idea. Love is gratitude. Love is appreciation. Love is community. Love Beyond Valentines gives people a space to say thank you, to acknowledge support and to share stories that often go unspoken, turning Valentine’s Day into a moment of connection rather than expectation.

Open Letters, Shared Stories

The campaign has already begun in the centre and online. Friends of Vincent Park have shared their perspectives on love, which are available to view below or over on Instagram.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Vincent Park (@vincentpark_eastlondon)

Now, shoppers are invited to participate by submitting their letters in whichever way feels most natural, such as via email to info@vincentpark.co.za, on social media using the hashtag #OpenLetter, tagging Vincent Park East London, through social media comments,  or by visiting the mall. Notes received will be shared on Vincent Park’s social media channels throughout the campaign.

Where Gratitude Meets the Mall

Inside the centre, a Letter Wall has been installed, designed to become a living expression of gratitude. Shoppers are also invited to write and pin their own open letters when visiting the centre. The nearby Love Couch has also been created to offer a relaxed space for short conversations.

Weekly spot prizes will be given to shoppers who submit or pin their open letters, adding extra fun to the experience. “Love Beyond Valentines” until the end of February, inviting East London to celebrate love in its many forms at Vincent Park.

Visit the mall’s website for more information: vincentpark.co.za or follow the mall on social media for regular updates.

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Cape Town, 23 February 2026: This festive season, Cavendish Square transformed a simple, seasonal tradition into something deeply meaningful, resulting in a donation of R25,135 to the Amy Foundation, raised through the centre’s gift-wrapping station. The donation formed part of the mall’s “A Festive Affair” campaign and was made possible by shoppers who chose to give while ticking gifts off their holiday lists.

Where Giving Came Naturally

Throughout the holiday period, Cavendish Square’s gift-wrapping station became a quiet space of generosity. Shoppers paused between errands, gifts in hand, and contributed with the knowledge  that their support would reach young people who need guidance, skills,  and safe places to learn. The funds raised will directly support the Amy Foundation’s youth development programmes, sustaining  sustain work that will continue long after the decorations are packed away.

“We are honoured to hand over this cheque to the Amy Foundation,” said Faizah Behardien, Centre Manager at Cavendish Square. “We deeply admire the work you do to empower young people, and we hope this contribution helps you continue changing lives. Thank you for the incredible impact that you make,” she concluded.

Supporting Work That Matters

The Amy Foundation welcomed the donation, emphasising the real difference it will make within its after-school programmes. Known for its hands-on, community-rooted approach, the organisation supports children and youth through mentorship, skills development and safe learning environments.

“We are incredibly grateful to Cavendish Square for selecting the  Amy Foundation as the beneficiary of their Festive Gift-Wrapping Station as part of the A Festive Affair campaign,” said Moegamat Ali Petersen, Representative of The Amy Foundation. “Funds raised through this initiative directly support our programmes for children and youth, enabling us to provide skills development, mentorship, and safe learning spaces in our after-school programmes. This contribution helps us continue creating meaningful opportunities and lasting change.”

For Cavendish Square, the donation reflects an ongoing focus on community collaboration that feel personal, practical and rooted in care.

For more details on Cavendish Square shopping centre stores and promotions, visit cavendish.co.za or follow the centre on social media for regular updates on instagram.com.

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Johannesburg, 19 February 2026: This Month of love, Phumulani Mall is shifting the focus from chocolates and cards to the people who show up for others every day. With the launch of its “Love in the Community” campaign, the centre is inviting shoppers to recognise the teachers, caregivers, neighbours and volunteers whose kindness shapes daily life in small but powerful ways.

Stories That Deserve to Be Told

Across the community, there are people who give their time, energy and care without asking for recognition. Through this campaign, Phumulani Mall is creating space for their stories to be shared. Shoppers are encouraged to nominate someone who has made a positive difference, whether through a helping hand, a listening ear or steady support when it mattered most.

Entries can be submitted via Phumulani Mall’s official social media platforms, following the instructions shared in the campaign post below!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Phumulani Mall (@phumulanimall)

Participants can submit more than one nomination and are welcome to highlight many individuals who contribute to the well-being of the community.

A Simple Thank You with Meaning

Nominations are open till 28 February 2026. Thereafter, four lucky nominated individuals will be selected to receive R2,500 each, paid via electronic funds transfer into a South African bank account.

Through the “Love in the Community”, Phumulani Mall continues its tradition of staying close to the people who support and shape the area around it. By celebrating everyday compassion, the campaign reflects the centre’s belief that real connection begins with noticing those who care for others, often quietly and consistently.

For regular updates on the mall’s activities, follow Phumulani Mall on social media @PhumulaniMall or visit phumulanimall.co.za.

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Johannesburg, 10 February 2026: Every journey starts with a step, and for 67 little learners in Johannesburg, those first steps just got a whole lot brighter. Design Quarter recently brought a little extra joy to young learners in grades 1 to 3 with the handover of 67 pairs of school shoes. The donation was a simple gesture with a real impact, providing support to children who needed it most while celebrating the power of collaboration.

Supporting Learners and Local Business

The initiative was made possible thanks to the generosity of Design Quarter’s partners and stores, who all clubbed together to support. Sandy Turner, EMK Links Gallery, Salsa, WellTech and Summit OOH all contributed to raising over R11 000. The shoes were procured from Inkanyiso School Shoes, a proudly South African social enterprise that provides quality, locally manufactured shoes to learners in under-resourced communities. This meant the handover will not only help young children but also support a local business committed to education.

A Partnership That Makes a Difference

With guidance from an organisation inside Design Quarter and NPO partner Starfish Greathearts Foundation, the centre ensured the shoes reached 67 learners from a disadvantaged school in Diepsloot. The handover has given these young learners real support and a small boost of confidence, showing that thoughtful actions, even simple ones, can make a real difference.

The campaign highlighted how community, care and collaboration can combine to create something meaningful. For Design Quarter, it was a chance to support both education and local enterprise while celebrating the ways everyone can contribute to making life a little easier for those around them.

For more information about Design Quarter and its retailers, visit the mall’s website at designquarter.co.za.

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