The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Faculty of Humanities recently concluded its successful “Dress for Success” clothes donation drive, announced on 17 August 2024. The initiative, launched in collaboration with Bidvest Bank, Yamaha, Cabstrut, and Bidvest Afcom in honour of Nelson Mandela Day, aimed to provide graduates and students with professional attire for job interviews and graduation ceremonies.
This collaborative effort between the Faculty of Humanities and Bidvest Bank extended across the Bidvest Group, with additional support from companies like Yamaha, Cabstrut, and Bidvest Afcom. Bidvest Bank played a key role in coordinating the collection and distribution of donations. The collected clothing was carefully sorted and handed over to UJ’s PsyCad, a division focused on student well-being, ensuring that the items reached those most in need.
A lasting initiative
Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Corne Meintjes, expressed hopes for the continued success of the initiative:
“I hope we can make this an annual event. Spring cleaning can be the perfect time to donate clothing to UJ students. A big thank you to Bidvest Bank for partnering with us for Nelson Mandela month, and to the colleagues who took the time to donate items. We are incredibly grateful.”
Prof. Meintjes highlighted that the donation drive not only addressed a pressing need for clothing but also helped students and graduates feel more confident as they embarked on new professional and academic journeys. The “Dress for Success” campaign aligns with UJ’s commitment to student support and social responsibility.
A large collection of formal wear, business attire, and everyday essentials was donated by staff from the Faculty of Humanities, Bidvest Bank, Yamaha, Cabstrut, and Bidvest Afcom. The clothing will help students present themselves professionally and feel empowered in crucial moments such as interviews and graduation ceremonies.
Senior Director of Academic Development & Support at UJ, Prof. Suzy Graham, praised the collaboration, saying, “We are thrilled with this partnership and look forward to continuing it. This initiative offers our students the opportunity to feel confident and hopeful as they attend interviews and pursue their futures. It’s about making a positive impact in their lives, and this is just the beginning of a great collaboration.”
Bidvest Bank’s commitment
Bidvest Bank’s Transformation Manager, Ms. Pauline Choshane, emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting communities:
“While this initiative aligned with Mandela month, our focus is on building long-term partnerships. It’s not just about meeting scorecards; it’s about the difference we make in our communities. Our message to our employees was to reflect on their own experiences—how they felt at their first interviews or graduations—and consider how their donated items could help students overcome challenges with dignity.”
Ms. Choshane shared a powerful sentiment: “For students, this may seem like just clothing, but it represents dignity. It’s about helping them face challenges head-on, just as we did in our own journeys.”
Ongoing support for students
UJ PsyCad will distribute the donated clothing to students in need, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next steps in their academic and professional careers. This initiative reinforces UJ’s mission of supporting its students holistically, helping them achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.
