Like many institutions and companies countrywide, the UJ community heeded the call to pledge time for community outreach initiatives, commemorating Nelson Mandela’s birthday.
Mandela Day was first introduced on 18 July 2009, to encourage people to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to do charity work to make the world a better place.
Some 200 UJ staff and students dedicated their time by washing windows, scrubbing cots and toilets, and mopping floors and doing general maintenance work in and around the Helen Joseph, Chris Hani and the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg.
Furthermore UJ staffers and students donated children’s reading books, non-perishable foods as well as prepared food, which was distributed to children in the hospitals.
UJ staffers and students walked through the hospitals, chatting to surprised young patients and their parents, before getting her hands dirty.
“UJ salutes this living legend, this hero, whose strength of purpose ignited a world and broke the back of apartheid, and still today is a symbol of continuing strength against inequality and injustice. In reflecting on Mr Mandela’s life and contribution to humanity, we are all challenged to emulate the actions of this great man striving for growth, development, peace, security and unity in this land we love,” saidErnestine Meyer – Adams, coordinator and manager: Community Engagement Unit, UJ.
The event was organised by UJ’s Office for Community Engagement.
Art and Design students contribute their creativity to Mandela Day
