Staff and students from the Mbombela and Siyabuswa campuses participated in outreach activities where they volunteered their time, skills and resources to support those in need.
In the weeks leading up to Mandela Day, the University encouraged staff and students to contribute through volunteering and monetary donations. Funds raised were used to purchase essential items identified by the beneficiary organisations, ensuring that the support provided addressed their specific needs.
The outreach activities focused on improving facilities, supporting learning and creating meaningful interactions with the children. Volunteers painted classrooms and interior walls, cleaned school grounds, offices and facilities, planted vegetables and trees, tended gardens, mentored Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners with university applications, read stories to children, facilitated arts and crafts activities, and participated in sports and dance sessions.
The University also donated essential items, including food parcels, groceries, toiletries, books, dolls, knitted clothing and sports equipment.
Addressing volunteers and beneficiaries, UMP Deputy Director: HEMIS, Mr Athenkosi Siziba, reflected on the significance of Mandela Day and the values that continue to define Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
Mbombela Staff and Students painted, cleaned facilities and planted trees.
“Today we gather to celebrate Mandela Day, a day that reminds us of the values of kindness, compassion, respect and service to others,” he said, reminding those present that Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to building a better South Africa where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and realise their full potential.
“To our wonderful children, remember that you are special, capable and loved. Never stop believing in yourselves. Dream big, work hard and always be kind to others. Even the smallest act of kindness, whether it is a smile, helping a friend, sharing what you have or showing respect, can make a big difference," he said.
Encouraging everyone to continue serving beyond Mandela Day, Mr Siziba added: “I encourage each of us to spend 67 minutes doing something good for others. Let us not limit our kindness to just one day. Let us make compassion, generosity and respect part of our daily lives.”
Centre mother at Ncedanani Care Centre, Ms Flora Sambo, said the outreach had brought hope and encouragement to both the children and caregivers.
UMP Staff and Students cleaned and painted schools around the Siyabuswa campus.
“We care for vulnerable children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and often do not have parents or access to necessities such as food and clothing. At our centre, we work tirelessly to protect children from dangers such as human trafficking, kidnapping and abuse, while ensuring they receive the care, support and opportunities they deserve," she said.
“Today, we are truly grateful to the University of Mpumalanga for showing love and compassion to our children. The volunteers encouraged them to value education, helped prepare meals, planted vegetables that will provide a sustainable source of food, donated clothes, and painted our ageing walls, giving our centre a fresh new look.
For many of the children, the day was filled with joy, inspiration and a renewed sense of belonging.
The Mandela Day outreach programme demonstrated the University’s commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom. Through service, generosity and meaningful engagement with communities, the UMP community honoured Madiba’s vision of a society where every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity, hope and purpose.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP.