On 6 April, Pelican Island was the scene of vibrant celebration and powerful messaging as communities came together for Good Deeds Day, a global initiative that encourages people to take part in acts of kindness and community upliftment. Observed annually on the second Sunday of April, the day promotes compassion, volunteerism, and collective action for a better world.
This year, the South African celebration focused on the critical issue of water and sanitation, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. With many communities across the country still facing water shortages and poor sanitation infrastructure, the event sought to raise awareness and encourage sustainable solutions.
The event was spearheaded by Lungelo Youth Development (LYD), a community-focused organization that uses creativity and education to drive social impact. The organization’s founder and Good Deeds Day country representative, Mary Mlambo, emphasized the importance of addressing real, day-to-day challenges faced by communities.
“We commemorate Good Deeds Day by creating awareness on things that matter—especially those that remain a challenge,” said Mlambo. “This year, we focused on water and sanitation because many people in our communities still go days without clean water. It’s a serious issue affecting health, dignity, and development.”
Mlambo explained that LYD uses “edutainment”—a blend of education and entertainment—to engage communities. Performances on the day included lively cheerleader routines, traditional songs, and a thought-provoking sketch that explored the theme of good deeds and the significance of water and sanitation.
She also encouraged practical steps such as rainwater harvesting to reduce dependency on unreliable water supplies. “These are simple yet effective solutions that can make a big difference, especially in under-resourced areas,” she added.
Young people made up the majority of attendees, a deliberate move to embed the values of service, kindness, and responsibility at an early age. Organizers believe that when youth are empowered with knowledge and a spirit of giving, they grow into adults who actively contribute to the well-being of their communities.
The event successfully combined fun with purpose, reinforcing that doing good can be joyful and deeply impactful. As Good Deeds Day continues to gain momentum globally, initiatives like this show that even small acts—focused on urgent issues like clean water and sanitation—can create lasting, positive change.
