On Friday, April 22 the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative succeeded in fulfilling their intentions to set a new world record of laying down the worlds largest crocheted blanket.
The community affectionately dubbed “KnitWits” for Madiba’s hard work was put out for all to see, and more importantly, for those in need to have an extra layer of warmth this coming winter.

What started as a challenge for founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day Carolyn Steyn to create 67 blankets for people in need today stands as an annual effort of South Africans from all walks of life looking to be active in helping where they can stitch by stitch.

In signing an MOU with National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Zach Modise in 2015, a formal partnership between the two organisations was formalised, this meant that  correctional centres in South Africa would have the initiative introduced as part of their curriculum.

This dream was realised when 10 324 blankets covering 17 181 square meters were laid out at Drakenstein Correctional Centre in Paarl, Western Cape the very place where Nelson Mandela took his first steps to freedom on 11 February 1990.

The day was not without its hiccups as the weather caused a tent to tilt over in the howling wind. Five people sustained minor injuries, they received treatment on site from the medical team.

The knitwits for 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day received a Guinness World Record in 2015 for the biggest blanket which was laid out on the steps of the Union Buildings, with this new measurement they have taken the title once again, which was taken a few months ago by India.

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