As is tradition here at Londolozi, we came together this year to celebrate Mandela Day—a day that holds deep meaning for our land, our people, and our story. We paid tribute to Nelson Mandela, the beloved Madiba, whose powerful legacy continues to shape the soul of South Africa and whose visit to Londolozi left an enduring imprint of hope and humanity.

Mandela Day is more than a moment on the calendar—it’s a global movement that calls on each of us to dedicate 67 minutes of service in honour of the 67 years Madiba spent fighting for justice, equality, and freedom. It serves as a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to be agents of change, and that even small acts can create lasting ripple effects.

This year, surrounded by the spirit of village consciousness, we asked ourselves: What ripple effects could we set in motion by simply coming together?

The Challenge We Set Ourselves

The Londolozi Family dedicated our 67 minutes to service through three meaningful initiatives that took place in our Futuristic African Village. With stopwatch in hand and hearts full of purpose, we embarked on:

• Sowing Seeds of Change
• Magic Marulas
• Running for Ripple

What unfolded over those 67 minutes was nothing short of extraordinary—a testament to the power of Ubuntu and the village consciousness that defines our Londolozi family.

What We Accomplished Together This Year

SOWING SEEDS OF CHANGE

We rolled up our sleeves and sowed the first promise of a future harvest. At this station, we planted a variety of herb and vegetable seeds that grew into seedlings for our Ripple Fund farmers. These farmers will nurture the crops, and in the months that follow, Londolozi will buy back the produce, creating a full-circle moment of empowerment and partnership.

2024 Impact: 489 seeds were planted in trays, and 380 trees were planted

2025 Impact: 6600 seeds planted in trays for Nkhensani and Frank, and 362 cuttings planted in bags for Charles Mdluli’s nursery. 

I would like to contribute 

MAGIC MARULAS

We joined hands as we planted Marula tree seedlings that honour ancient wisdom whilst nurturing tomorrow’s possibilities. At this station, we contributed to the newest Ripple Fund initiative – Save the Sand – an ambitious restoration project revitalising the Sabi Sand River Catchment. These sacred trees have begun growing into a network of regeneration that protects the Sand River, supports local farmers, and strengthens rural livelihoods. Every seedling we planted is a step toward a greener, more resilient future.

2025 Impact: 657 Marula seeds planted 

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RUNNING FOR RIPPLE

We laced up our trainers and hit the path through Londolozi’s Futuristic African Village! For every loop completed in those 67 minutes, Londolozi donated R1000 to The Ripple Fund. Whether we ran, walked, or danced our way around, each step helped fund impactful projects that uplift people and planet alike.

2024 Impact: 176 loops run for ripple

2025 Impact: 185 laps run for Ripple (That’s R18 500 donated to the Ripple Fund!) 

I would like to contribute 

The Power of Coming Together

Standing at the Mandela Mural in our village, we were reminded of the words that guide us:

“During my long walk to Freedom, I had the rare privilege to visit Londolozi. There, I saw people of all races living in harmony amidst the beauty that Mother Nature offers. Londolozi represents a model of the dream I cherish for the future of nature preservation in our country.” – Nelson Mandela

Those 67 minutes showcased the incredible power of collective action. Every seed planted, every loop completed, every moment shared reinforced our belief that small actions create infinite ripples of positive change.

Your Invitation to Join the Ripple

The beauty of Mandela Day lies not just in what we accomplished together, but in the ongoing ripple effects that continue to spread outward. The seedlings we planted are growing. The trees we nurtured are taking root. The funds we raised are already making a difference in local communities.

We invite you to amplify these ripples by joining our match-funding initiative. Your contribution doesn’t just double our impact—it creates new waves of change that reach far beyond what we could achieve alone.

Create Your Own Ripple Effect

If you would like some more detailed, one-on-one information, or if you would like to make a donation to the Londolozi Ripple Fund, click here to start your own ripple effect.

To stay connected, we have established a Londolozi Ripple Fund Impact site where you can follow regular updates on projects and donations as they unfold and follow work that has already been successfully completed. If you would like to receive the Londolozi Ripple Fund newsletter, please let us know at ripple@londolozi.co.za and follow us @ripple_fund

Together, We Rise. Together, We Create Ripple Effects.

Although it was only 67 minutes of service, we continue to observe Mandela Day every day through the Londolozi Ripple Fund. In the spirit of Madiba’s legacy, we believe that each of us has the power to be an agent of change—and that together, we can create ripples that transform not just our corner of Africa, but the world.

Walking in his footsteps, we feel Mandela’s legacy all around us every day. His vision of harmony between people and nature, his belief in the power of community, and his unwavering commitment to justice continue to guide our work and inspire our actions.

The ripples we started on Mandela Day 2025 are still spreading. Will you help us amplify them?

In the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”