As winter grips Johannesburg, the plight of South Africa’s homeless becomes painfully clear. With youth unemployment at 45.5% and substance abuse affecting roughly 15% of the population, many are just one crisis away from life on the streets.
To mark Nelson Mandela Day, trusted health brand Med-Lemon partnered with MES (Mould Empower Serve) and Impilo Shelter in Jeppestown to deliver more than just warmth they delivered dignity.
In a heartfelt campaign titled “Hero Blanket”, Med-Lemon and its parent company Haleon crafted 50 handmade blankets from knitted squares. Each blanket was handed over with a warm bowl of soup and bread, offering more than physical comfort offering care.
“We’ve always brought relief to those suffering from colds and flu,” said Bronwyn Hughes, Med-Lemon Brand Manager. “Now, we’re extending that warmth to those living without homes.”
MES, founded in 1986 in Hillbrow, has evolved from a soup kitchen to a nationwide support network. With shelters across Johannesburg, Gqeberha, Cape Town, and Kempton Park, MES provides temporary housing, psychosocial support, and life-skills training.
“For just R20, people get a bed and three meals a day,” said Thabiso Ramasike, Acting CEO of MES. “But our goal is to restore dignity and help individuals exit the system stronger.”
The Mandela Day visit also included a skills development session led by Med-Lemon’s knitting partners empowering participants through shared learning and connection.
“This support reminds our beneficiaries they are not forgotten,” said Nonhlanhla Zulu, Outreach Leader at Impilo. “As a non-profit, we can’t do this alone.”
As Med-Lemon plans to grow this initiative across South Africa, this act of service stands as a reminder: even the smallest gestures like a bowl of soup or a knitted square can spark real change.