As South Africans prepare to mark Mandela Day this week, Islamic Relief South Africa is calling on communities to take part in its Walk for Freedom: Remembering Gaza initiative on 18 July.
The event, taking place in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal, seeks to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while encouraging people to support ongoing relief efforts through participation, donations and community engagement.
According to Is’haaq Badat, Community Fundraiser at Islamic Relief South Africa, the walk reflects the values often associated with Mandela Day by encouraging service, compassion and a shared sense of responsibility.
“It is more than a fundraising event. It’s a visible demonstration that the people of Gaza have not been forgotten and that communities in South Africa continue to care,” he said.
Badat said Mandela’s legacy reminds people that freedom, justice and human dignity are universal rights that should be protected regardless of nationality or location.
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Designed for the entire community
The 6.7-kilometre walk has been planned as a family-friendly event that welcomes people from different backgrounds and fitness levels.
The programme will begin at Islamic Relief South Africa’s Johannesburg offices, with women setting off at 8am, followed by men at 8:20am. Separate arrangements have been made for participants while maintaining a shared purpose throughout the event.
Badat said accessibility was a key consideration when planning the route.
“You don’t have to be an athlete. It makes it accessible whether you’re an experienced walker or somebody just looking to participate with family and friends,” he said.
He added that organisers hope the event creates space for people from different cultures and communities to unite around a common humanitarian cause.
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Keeping attention on Gaza
Badat believes one of the greatest challenges facing humanitarian organisations is maintaining public awareness once media coverage begins to decline.
He noted that many families in Gaza continue to face shortages of food, clean drinking water, healthcare and safe shelter, while children remain particularly vulnerable because of disrupted education, trauma and limited access to basic necessities.
Although humanitarian organisations continue delivering assistance under difficult conditions, he said the scale of the need remains significant.
“Humanitarian crises do not end when they disappear from the headlines,” Badat said.
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Support is not required only on Mandela Day
Beyond the walk itself, Islamic Relief South Africa is encouraging continued involvement throughout the year.
Badat said organisers hope participants leave with a greater appreciation of how collective action can contribute to humanitarian relief and remain engaged with vulnerable communities long after Mandela Day has passed.
Those unable to participate in the walk can support a pop-up market being held at the organisation’s offices, make financial contributions towards relief programmes or volunteer for future campaigns.
Further information about the event and Islamic Relief South Africa’s humanitarian initiatives is available through the organisation’s website and social media platforms.
To hear more from Badat, watch the video below:
Image via National Geographic.
