Saints Journey, One Legacy: Girls’ Prep Powers Mandela Day with Purpose

For Mandela Day 2026, the St Stithians Girls’ Prep community brought our school theme, "Saints Journey, One Legacy," to life through a powerful combination of environmental action and community upliftment. Embracing Nelson Mandela's call to dedicate 67 minutes to the service of others, our school transformed into a hub of joyful, purposeful energy. The girls set out to prove that no matter their age, they have the power to be true agents of change, leaving a legacy through simple, collective acts of compassion.

A central highlight of the day was the inspiring synergy across our Junior Prep, Boys’ Prep and Girls’ Prep schools, uniting the entire Prep Saints family for a massive shoe collection. Inspired by the story of Sole2Sole, a remarkable South African charity founded by Dario and his sister Liyana, our students learnt that you are never too young to make an impact. Families gave generously, but the students took it further by attaching heartfelt notes of encouragement, kindness and hope to every pair of shoes. This joint effort ensured that thousands of steps taken across our country will now bring dignity, comfort and hope to people in under-resourced communities.

Additionally, the Girls’ Prep tackled environmental sustainability by partnering with the Cherith Foundation for a high-energy Eco-Brick house race. Students brought in plastic waste, recyclables and empty 2-litre bottles, working earnestly in their houses to build alternative bricks. These will now form the actual foundations of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across Johannesburg. It was a privilege to watch our older servant leaders guiding their younger sisters, proving that unity makes any task possible. As the final bricks were packed and the shoe bundles stacked, the words of Madiba rang beautifully true for the St Stithians community: "It always seems impossible until it is done."