SINAM will begin its Mandela Month programme at North West University’s Vanderbijlpark Campus on Friday, 17 July 2026, with the Tlong Sekolong Campus Chat focused on youth wellness, work, entrepreneurship and economic participation. The three hour dialogue, hosted from 13:00 to 16:00 in partnership with the university, will take place a day before hundreds of participants are expected at the second annual SINAM Health and Wellness Day in Sharpeville. Together, the two events connect youth discussions, physical wellness, blood donation and community support during Mandela Month.
Sharpeville is NOT a Massacre, known as SINAM 1960 NPC, said the Campus Chat forms part of its broader Mandela Month programme.
The Health and Wellness Day will follow at the Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct on Saturday, 18 July, with a 5 KM walk, aerobics and a South African National Blood Service blood donation drive.
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Tlong Sekolong Campus Chat Opens SINAM Mandela Month Programme
The Tlong Sekolong Campus Chat will take place at North West University’s Vanderbijlpark Campus from 13:00 to 16:00 on Friday.
According to SINAM, students, young professionals and community members will discuss youth wellness, economic participation, entrepreneurship, innovation and opportunities available to young South Africans.
The dialogue takes place as South Africa marks 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising.
The event will reflect on the role young people played in fighting for education, freedom of expression and human dignity in 1976, while shifting the discussion towards the issues affecting young people in 2026.
“The youth of 1976 fought for the right to learn, to speak, and to exist with dignity. The youth of 2026 are fighting for wellness and the right to work, to innovate, and thrive,” the event message states.
The Campus Chat is intended to provide a platform for conversations about how education, wellness and economic opportunities affect the current generation of young South Africans.
Youth Wellness And Economic Participation Take Centre Stage
Youth unemployment and economic participation remain significant issues for young South Africans, making access to work and economic opportunities central to the Campus Chat discussion.
SINAM said the event will consider entrepreneurship, innovation and the opportunities available to young people in a changing economy.
The programme also links economic participation to youth wellness.
By including both issues in the same discussion, the Campus Chat will examine the pressures young people face beyond formal education and the transition from learning into employment or entrepreneurship.
The event forms part of the Tlong Sekolong programme, which is also connected to the school shoes donation initiative supported through the following day’s Health and Wellness Day.
Campus Chat Builds Up To SINAM Health And Wellness Day
The Campus Chat will serve as the official build up to the second annual SINAM Health and Wellness Day.
Gauteng residents can take part in the wellness event at the Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct on Saturday, 18 July 2026, with a 5 KM walk, aerobics and a blood donation drive forming part of the Mandela Day programme.
Participants are encouraged to arrive from 6:30 to complete final registration logistics before the morning activities begin at 7:00.
According to the event information, the initiative aims to promote healthier lifestyles, highlight the importance of blood donation and encourage social cohesion.
Participants can select the 5 KM walk, aerobics or both when registering online.
The morning programme will also include light aerobics and a warm down session. Organisers have advised participants to bring camp chairs if they plan to remain at the precinct for the wider programme.
The event will be run under Athletics South Africa and Athletics Vaal Triangle rules, according to the official event poster.
Medals will be awarded to all participants.
Mandela Day Programme Continues At Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct
The Health and Wellness Day takes place at the Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct, a location closely connected to South Africa’s human rights history.
Sharpeville remains central to the country’s remembrance of the events of 21 March 1960 and the broader struggle against apartheid.
The choice of the precinct places the wellness programme within a Gauteng heritage site connected to South Africa’s human rights history.
International Nelson Mandela Day is observed annually on 18 July, Nelson Mandela’s birthday.
The 2026 SINAM programme combines dialogue at a university campus on 17 July with physical activity, blood donation and a school shoes initiative in Sharpeville the following day.
SANBS Blood Drive Runs From 10:00 To 15:00
The South African National Blood Service will hold a blood drive as part of the SINAM Health and Wellness Day.
The blood drive is scheduled from 10:00 to 15:00 on Saturday, 18 July, at the Sharpeville Monument.
People attending the walk and aerobics programme can remain at the precinct for the blood drive, while other residents can attend the blood donation component during the advertised collection period.
Potential donors will still need to meet SANBS donation requirements and complete the relevant screening process before donating blood.
The blood donation component gives Gauteng residents another way to participate in the Mandela Day programme beyond the 5 KM walk and aerobics session.
R67 Registration Supports Tlong Sekolong School Shoes Initiative
Registration for the 5 KM walk and aerobics programme costs R67.
According to the organisers, proceeds will go towards supporting the Tlong Sekolong School Shoes Donation Initiative, which aims to provide school shoes to learners in need.
The initiative connects the Health and Wellness Day with the wider Tlong Sekolong programme highlighted during the Campus Chat at North West University.
Participants can register through the official SINAM Health and Wellness Day registration page.
The online registration form asks participants to select whether they will take part in aerobics, the 5 KM walk or both.
Participants are also required to provide personal details, emergency contact information and other registration information before proceeding to the payment stage.
The registration page includes participation and indemnity conditions. Attendees should read the conditions and review their information before submitting the form.
Registered Participants Can Win A R1 500 iFelom Sneaker Voucher
The Health and Wellness Day also includes an iFelom sneaker voucher competition linked to registration.
According to the event poster, people who register stand a chance to win a R1 500 iFelom sneaker voucher.
The competition is being communicated alongside the R67 registration fee and the Tlong Sekolong School Shoes Donation Initiative.
Residents interested in entering should complete their event registration and check SINAM’s official event information for competition conditions and updates.
Riverside Sun Offer Available Ahead Of The Event
An accommodation offer has also been announced for people travelling for the SINAM Health and Wellness Day.
According to the event information, Riverside Sun has a SINAM special offer for 16 and 17 July 2026.
Rates start from R1 495 per night and include breakfast.
Visitors considering the offer should confirm availability, final rates and booking conditions before making travel arrangements.
What This Means For Gauteng Residents
SINAM’s two day Mandela Month programme gives residents in the Vaal and wider Gauteng region different ways to participate.
Students, young professionals and community members can attend the Tlong Sekolong Campus Chat at North West University’s Vanderbijlpark Campus on 17 July.
The following day, residents can join the 5 KM walk, take part in aerobics, donate blood during the SANBS blood drive or support the school shoes initiative through event registration.
The programme also connects Vanderbijlpark and Sharpeville through two events focused on issues affecting communities in southern Gauteng.
Residents planning to join the Health and Wellness Day should note the early start. Participants are encouraged to arrive from 6:30, with wellness activities beginning at 7:00.
Those attending specifically for the blood drive can note the advertised 10:00 to 15:00 donation period.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is The Tlong Sekolong Campus Chat?
The Tlong Sekolong Campus Chat takes place on Friday, 17 July 2026, from 13:00 to 16:00.
Where Is The Tlong Sekolong Campus Chat Taking Place?
The event will be held at North West University’s Vanderbijlpark Campus.
When Is The SINAM Health And Wellness Day 2026?
The Health and Wellness Day takes place on Saturday, 18 July 2026, at the Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct.
How Much Is Health And Wellness Day Registration?
Registration costs R67. According to the organisers, proceeds will support the Tlong Sekolong School Shoes Donation Initiative. Medals will be awarded to all participants.
What Time Is The SANBS Blood Drive?
The SANBS blood donation drive will run from 10:00 to 15:00 on Saturday, 18 July 2026.
SINAM Mandela Month Events Take Place On 17 And 18 July
The Tlong Sekolong Campus Chat will open SINAM’s Mandela Month programme at North West University’s Vanderbijlpark Campus on 17 July before the Health and Wellness Day moves activities to Sharpeville on 18 July.
The first event will focus on youth wellness, economic participation, entrepreneurship and innovation, while the second will combine a 5 KM walk, aerobics, blood donation and support for a school shoes initiative.
Gauteng residents planning to attend the Health and Wellness Day can register through the official SINAM website or contact the event organisers on 084 777 6116 for more information.
