When Is Volunteering Week? Including Mandela Day in South Africa

Volunteering is a powerful act of service that brings people together to create positive change in their communities. But did you know there are specific times of the year dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and encouraging volunteering? One of the most significant of these is National Volunteering Week, and in South Africa, Mandela Day stands out as a unique call to action rooted in our nation’s history and values.

Let’s take a look at when volunteering is celebrated—and how you can get involved.

🌍 Global Volunteering Week

International Volunteer Week is celebrated annually during the first full week of December. It culminates in International Volunteer Day on 5 December, a day designated by the United Nations to recognize the contributions of volunteers worldwide.

It’s a global moment to say thank you to volunteers and to inspire more people to get involved. Events, campaigns, and stories are shared around the world to honour those who give their time and skills freely to support causes they care about.

🇿🇦 Mandela Day – South Africa’s Own Volunteering Moment

In South Africa, Mandela Day on 18 July is perhaps the most well-known and widely celebrated volunteering day. This day commemorates the birthday of Nelson Mandela, and it is a uniquely South African initiative that has grown into a global movement for good.

The concept is simple but powerful:
Give 67 minutes of your time to make a difference.
Why 67? Because Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for human rights, equality, and social justice.

Whether it’s cleaning a park, packing dignity bags, helping at an animal shelter, or mentoring youth, every action counts.

Mandela Day is more than a date, it’s a call to action.

At Volunteer Now, Mandela Day is one of the biggest events on our calendar. We partner with schools, corporates, families, and individuals to offer impactful, fun, and accessible volunteering opportunities around the country. Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a regular changemaker, Mandela Day is the perfect time to get involved.

📅 Other Key Volunteering Dates to Know

• National Volunteer Week (South Africa): While South Africa doesn’t have a fixed national volunteer week, many organisations align their events with Mandela Month (the whole of July), making it a month-long celebration of service and giving back.
• Youth Day (16 June): A day to reflect on the role of youth in shaping the future, many young South Africans volunteer or take part in community service initiatives around this time.
• International Youth Day (12 August): Highlights the involvement of young people in social, civic, and community life, including volunteering.
• World Humanitarian Day (19 August): Recognizes those who work to support people in crises, many of whom are volunteers.
• World Cleanup Day (September): A global movement where thousands of volunteers take part in cleaning up their communities, towns, and natural environments.

🤝 Why Join Volunteering Events?

Volunteering during dedicated weeks or days creates:

• A sense of unity and community spirit.
• Greater visibility for important causes.
• More opportunities to connect with others, gain new skills, and give back.

You don’t have to wait for a special day to start volunteering, but these designated moments make it easy and inspiring to jump in.

🚀 Get Involved with Volunteer Now

At Volunteer Now, we make it simple to find meaningful and verified opportunities that align with your interests and schedule. Whether it’s for Mandela Day, International Volunteer Day, or any time of the year, we help you make your impact count.

👉 Bookmark These Dates
📌 18 July – Mandela Day
📌 5 December – International Volunteer Day
📌 The whole of July – Mandela Month of Service

Every day is a good day to volunteer, but some days are extra special.
Join us in celebrating volunteering, uplifting communities, and honouring the legacy of those who’ve served before us.

Volunteer Now, Because Change Starts with You.