The University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Community Engagement (CE) Unit brought together hundreds of volunteers through acts of service to honour Nelson Mandela’s Legacy.
As part of the International Mandela Day activities, participants from various faculties and divisions spent their day giving back.
Under the theme ‘It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity’ individuals, communities and organisations are encouraged to participate in community projects, workplace activities, or personal acts that address social injustices and promote equality.
Speaking at the programme opening held at the Helen Joseph Tertiary Hospital,
Acting CEO Dr Zakhele Zitha reminded the student volunteers that they were the beacon of hope for tomorrow.
“When Tata said it is in our hands, we are following in his footsteps. You coming here, young as you are, it is symbolic that you are the beacon of hope for us for a South Africa that will be better in the future.”
Community Engagement Senior Manager Fiona Mahlori said Mandela Day should remind the students of the values Nelson Mandela stood for.
“We recognise this day and commemorate it by giving back and contributing to our communities and society. As you give back, take time to learn something that will help you for the future. Why should we care about Mandela Day? It’s important because it reminds us not to take for granted the freedom that we have and reminds us to live by the values that our former statesman espoused – freedom, respect, dignity, a culture of ubuntu.
At UJ, we go beyond 67 minutes – we give back our time, resources and skills.”
Activities for the day included garden services, washing dustbins, removing waste, painting walls, cleaning stretchers and kitchen duties among others.
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) volunteers painted road markings and cleaned solar panels at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, while the Library staff, in collaboration with Techno Lab, welcomed high school learners for an educational experience. Students and staff from various campuses also took part in activities at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic and Bheki Mlangeni Hospitals.
Community Engagement also called upon the UJ community to be part of the Annual Mandela Day Walk & Run that takes place on Saturday, 19 July 2025 at DP World Wanderers Stadium. To participate in a virtual walk/run, please register on https://www.fundnation.org/nelsonmandela.
Later this month, a special webinar on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, commemorating Nelson Mandela Day will take place under the theme: Combating Poverty & Inequity – Reflecting on UJ’s 20-Year Legacy of Societal Impact.
All staff, students, and alumni are encouraged to continue to honour Nelson Mandela Day 2025 by taking concrete action to combat poverty and inequity, through giving to the less fortunate.
“We encourage you to contribute through donating essential items such as non-perishable food, clothing, blankets, books, stationery, toiletries, electronics. Each campus has an Orange Wheelie Bin at the main entrance for collections until Thursday, 31 July 2025.” said Community Engagement Specialist Tseleng Modjadji.
She added: “The University currently has over 200 Community Engagement projects that are making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of our society and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a member of the UJ community, you can adopt a community engagement project and create a lasting impact by offering your time and resources during Mandela Month.”
Watch the highlights of the day below:
