South Africans are being encouraged to ditch the ordinary socks for something a little brighter this September, as PNA’s Funky Socks Day returns for its fifth year in support of children across the country.
National Funky Socks Day takes place on Friday, 11 September 2026, with South Africans invited to wear their brightest, boldest or downright weirdest socks while supporting three organisations working with children and young people.
The annual campaign raises funds through the sale of R10 Funky Socks Day stickers, with proceeds supporting Breadline Africa, Rally to Read and Matla a Bana.
Now in its fifth year, the campaign is closing in on the R2 million mark, with organisers hoping to continue building on the support received from schools, workplaces, families and individuals around the country.
R10 can make a difference
Taking part is deliberately simple.
Supporters can purchase a R10 Funky Socks Day sticker from PNA stores nationwide or online and wear their funky socks on Friday, 11 September.
Schools and workplaces can also get involved by ordering stickers and encouraging pupils, teachers and colleagues to participate together.
While the campaign brings plenty of colour and fun, the money raised supports organisations working to improve opportunities and support systems for children.
Breadline Africa uses funds from the campaign to provide educational resource packs to early childhood development centres in under-resourced communities.
Last year’s support helped the organisation provide 50 educational resource packs containing learning materials and stationery designed to help young children learn through play.
Five years of showing up for children
Breadline Africa has been one of the Funky Socks Day beneficiaries alongside Rally to Read and Matla a Bana for five years.
Breadline Africa CEO Marion Wagner said the campaign shows that supporting an important cause can also be joyful.
“There is something incredibly joyful about Funky Socks Day. It reminds us that doing good does not always have to feel heavy,” Wagner said.
“Sometimes it looks like bright socks and laughter in a classroom. Sometimes it looks like people showing up for children they may never meet, simply because they care.”
She added that the organisation was grateful to PNA for its support over the past five years.
The 2026 campaign officially launched on Youth Day, 16 June, connecting the initiative with a day dedicated to recognising South Africa’s young people.
Get your funky socks ready
With Funky Socks Day taking place on Friday, 11 September, Nelson Mandela Bay residents have just over a week to find their most colourful pair.
Participation costs R10 through the purchase of a campaign sticker, while schools and businesses can also participate as groups.
So whether you’re heading to school, the office or simply going about your Friday in the Bay, 11 September is your excuse to wear the loudest socks you own, while helping support programmes created for children who need them.
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