You carry the legacy forward: Honour Mandela!
- Wits University
Witsies double and triple commitment on Mandela Day with 670 and 6700 initiatives.
In celebration of Mandela Day, the Registrar's Division rolled-up their sleeves and exceeded the global call to dedicate 67-minutes to a good cause by preparing 670 sandwich packs for students who utilise the Wits Food Bank as part of their sustenance.
This act of service pays tribute to the legacy of Nelson Mandela, who dedicated his life to fighting for equality and justice in South Africa and thus inspired the world.
The Transformation Committee within the Registrar's Division set aside the day to pack and sprinkle extra love on each of the 670 sandwiches assembled by the team. Each brown bag was filled with a sandwich, juice, and treats.
Abe Pieterse, Head of the Exams and Graduations Office under Registrar's Division, was the MC for this event.
For Pieterse, Mandela Day is an important day to reflect, renew and strengthen our solidarity to causes or issues that demand support and action.
“When you are in a position to have gotten so much, the gift at this point is giving back, take action and inspire change,” he said.
The Wits Food Bank is managed by the Wits Citizenship and Community Outreach (WCCO) programme.
From 670 to 6700 items
Still in the spirit of Mandela Day, on 25 July 2023, the WCCO will host a collection drive which seeks to gather 6700 non-perishable and toiletry items for distribution to Wits student in need. Students and staff are encouraged to bring their contributions to the Library Lawns on the day. Alternatively, items can be placed in the collection bins located across Wits campuses.
“Our support programmes rely on the goodwill of others. This year, we call on our internal community to remember our values and the need to help bring dignity, ease worry and promote academic success,” says Karuna Singh, Senior Programme Advisor at the WCCO.
The global theme for Mandela International Day 2023 is ‘The Legacy Lives on Through You: Climate, Food & Solidarity’ and reflects some of the most urgent challenges facing people worldwide. The WCCO through its programmes plays a vital role in supporting students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. If you wish to extend support to students, please contact Aqeelah.Hendrickse@wits.ac.za.