Mandela Day is celebrated every year on 18 July, Nelson Mandela’s birthday, as an international day of service declared by the United Nations in 2009. In the spirit of the July 2026 Mandela Day weekend – and going forward – Heversham has opened its facilities for use by the Victory Village Halfway House in De Deur, a rehabilitation not far from our farm, in South Gauteng.
Their mission statement reads:
“At Victory Village, our mission is to provide a supportive and structured environment for individuals in recovery, fostering personal growth, accountability, and a sense of community. Through compassionate guidance and evidence-based practices, we empower residents to embrace change, rebuild their lives, and thrive in a healthy and substance-free lifestyle.”
It is widely acknowledged that horses offer profound therapeutic value for addicts in rehab by providing non-judgmental, real-time feedback that mirrors a patient’s emotional state. Because horses are prey animals, they are highly sensitive to human behavior, forcing recovering individuals to confront hidden emotions, build trust, and develop accountability without the barriers of traditional talk therapy.
Heversham’s Advocate Nigel Riley commented: “This represents a way for us to give back to the community in a meaningful manner by assisting people who have recognised the need to change their previous lifestyles. They will be able to do some work in the stables if they so wish, or just to be close to our horses in a beautiful environment.”
There are specific psychological and physiological benefits of being in the presence of horses. It naturally lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and decreases anxiety or PTSD symptoms.