In the spirit of Mandela Day 2023, the NWU Mahikeng Student Campus Council (SCC) hosted a three-course session programme, spreading love and kindness and making a positive impact on the lives of others. The first session was “Grab a Mandela Day Chocolate”, held at the Mahikeng campus’ main gate at 09h00 on Mandela Day. The gesture aimed to demonstrate love and kindness, reminding us of the importance of sharing small acts of kindness to brighten someone’s day. As students and staff exchanged chocolates, the atmosphere became infused with unity and camaraderie, setting the tone for the day ahead.
SCC member (Xavier Mokwena, Current Affairs officer) giving out chocolates to students during the first session.
In the second session, the SCC team headed to Montshioa, where they partnered with the youth-based NPO, “Angels of Tomorrow Community Support.” The focus was on giving back to the community, and they collaborated with the NPO to clean the street as part of the 67 minutes challenge. However, their dedication and enthusiasm led to more than just 67 minutes spent in service delivery; they went above and beyond, investing their time and effort to make a significant difference. Among them, was an esteemed young actor, Tshepo Senatle, well known as “Koloi Shivambu” from Skeem Saam. Alongside the street cleaning, the SCC team distributed hats, socks, sports drinks, and earphones to the beneficiaries, as well as board games, which establish a platform of friendliness, reducing stress and sparking up conversations.
Oyama Mgoduka, SCC Marketing, and Public Relations Officer, delivering a word of encouragement at the Angels of Tomorrow community.
Back on campus, the final session of the day was a Joyous Cake-Cutting Ceremony, where more than 270 attendees gathered to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela. The highlight of this event was the cake-cutting, symbolising the sweet memories of Mandela’s enduring legacy.
The atmosphere was imbued with gratitude as the SCC members, alongside esteemed guests like Mr. Jimmy Molautsi, Director of Student Life at Mahikeng campus; Bophelo Seleke, Residence Officer of Khayelitsha; and Daniel Mekgwe, NWU Alumni (Science Teacher at Er-Xin, Republic of China) who served as the guest speaker, expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support of the community.
The second session, cake cutting at the Lecture Hall.
Attendees at the lecture hall (cake cutting).
All three sessions were an extraordinary celebration of the spirit of Ubuntu. Through various sessions of giving, collaborating, and celebrating, students and staff demonstrated that small acts of kindness and generosity can create a ripple effect of positive change in our communities.
As we move forward, let us carry the essence of Mandela Day in our hearts every day, remembering that each one of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how small or big the gesture. By upholding the values of unity, empathy, and compassion, we can truly honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela and make the world a better place for everyone.
#MyNWU #MandelaDay2023