The University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Community Engagement Unit marked Mandela Day 2024 with extensive volunteer efforts across various hospitals and community initiatives.
More than 1000 students dedicated their time to volunteering at Helen Joseph Tertiary Hospital, Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, and in the Doornfontein Campus (DFC) area.
To welcome the students at Helen Joseph, Dr Ronald Pheto, acting CEO, reminded the students and staff about the importance of the day.
“Nelson Mandela had the qualities we wish each South African had. He was a very kind man, we have embraced each other because of his loving ways. He loved children and wanted to make sure their futures were guaranteed.”
Students also collaborated with Africa Food for Thought to prepare soup jars and pack sandwiches and worked with the Linden CPF team at Linden SAPS for the Soup Jar of Hope initiative. At Wanderers Stadium, students joined Ashraful Aid to pack 20,000 food parcels.
The volunteers who went to Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital helped to clean 900 solar panels while the DFC campus students joined in the Jozi My Jozi clean up to Ellis Park Stadium.
Community Engagement Specialist Tseleng Modjadji highlighted the ongoing partnerships with the hospitals, which extend beyond Mandela Day, providing students with service learning opportunities.
“Today is a confirmation we have made as individuals to come as we are, with what we have, wherever we are to honour Mandela Day. This year, the theme is ‘It’s in your hands’. We are here because we want to do better and help those in need. We thank the hospitals for always opening their doors to us and may you continue to do that.”
Nduduzo Mchunu, a second-year BA Communication student, participated with Africa Food for Thought in Roodepoort, distributing food packs, blankets, and dry soup ingredient jars at the Emhlangeni Settlement. Mchunu expressed gratitude for UJ’s Community Engagement initiatives and affirmed his commitment to future volunteer efforts.
Mchunu said he liked to volunteer because he was really passionate about making a difference in people’s lives.
“I am grateful for Community Engagement at UJ because it makes things easier for us to find places to volunteer. I will definitely be taking part in Mandela Day next year.”
Mbhoni Nyalungu, a third-year Public Relations student, joined the Jozi My Jozi clean-up in Hillbrow with Pikitup and other organisations, emphasising the importance of community involvement and maintaining Mandela’s legacy.
“I took part because it is important to give back to the community and encourage others to take part in Mandela drives so the legacy can live on onto the next generation.”
Keabetswe Sedikwe, 19, second year BA student cleaned solar panels with her team at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
“It is doing our jobs as citizens. We want it to be super clean because cleanliness is next to godliness. Helping out wherever we can is in the spirit of Nelson Mandela.”
The UJ Community Engagement Unit will continue with Mandela Day initiatives throughout the month of July.
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