The University teams went out to various centres and schools, engaging in activities like career guidance, sports coaching, and choir sessions.
Professor Moses Mbewe, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Postgraduate Studies, Engagement, and Planning, led a group to Thembeka High School in Kanyamazane, where he provided career guidance to learners, and the team planted trees and donated soccer balls.
Prof Mbewe urged the students to honour Madiba's legacy by excelling in their studies: "Nelson Mandela sacrificed for a free South Africa so that you could have a better future. Focus on your studies to ensure a brighter tomorrow."
The Siyabuswa team donated winter items to the children's centre.
Another team, led by Dr. Aldo Stroebel, the DVC for Research, Innovation, and Internationalisation, visited Valencia High School in Nelspruit. They engaged in tree planting, career guidance, soccer coaching, and choir sessions.
Mr. Godfery Raphadi, Acting Principal of Valencia Combined School, expressed gratitude for UMP's visit and the valuable contributions made to the students' careers and personal growth: "Our learners have gained a lot in terms of career guidance, learning about the university's programmes. We also appreciate the donated soccer balls and coaching skills, which will open up opportunities for our learners in the future."
Musawakhe Bhaba, captain of the Valencia soccer team, expressed his appreciation for the donations: "I hope the balls and coaching skills we received will motivate my team to push and win multiple games."
At Kamagugu SOS Children's Home, Mr. Sello Legodi, UMP's Registrar, and Dr. Nomvula Twaise, Director of Student Housing, led a group that generously donated knitted and non-perishable food items, as well as sanitary towels.
UMP Campus Director: Dr. Emmanuel Tshkwatamba with the Siyabuswa team that went to KwaNdebele Science School.
Mr. Legodi highlighted UMP's commitment to the community and its values, emphasizing the significance of Mandela Day in engaging with strategic partners for positive change.
Ms. Vuyelwa Mega, programme director of Nelspruit SOS Children's Home, expressed gratitude for the donations, acknowledging the impact they will have on the children's lives during the winter months.
Dr. Mercy Kutu led a team that visited Litsemba Care Centre in Daantjie and donated sanitary towels.
Siyabuswa Campus Director, Dr. Emmanuel Tshikwatamba, delivered a motivational talk at Kwandebele Science School, while another team cleaned and donated sanitary towels at Ikageng Combined School.
Additional teams visited Ikageng and Ditau Day Care Centres, providing knitted hats, blankets, and scarves to those in need.
UMP's Mandela Day activities exemplify the spirit of Nelson Mandela, demonstrating the University's commitment to creating opportunities and positively impacting the lives of local communities.
By Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.