In the spirit of compassion and service that defined Nelson Mandela’s legacy, the North-West University (NWU) marked Mandela Day 2025 with a series of impactful community outreach initiatives, focusing on education, animal health, and basic service delivery.
Laying the foundation through early childhood education
Nelson Mandela once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This belief guided the NWU’s Faculty of Education as staff and students visited the GJ Podile Primary School in Mahikeng. Their efforts centred on strengthening the foundation phase and early childhood development – a vital area of learning that shapes children's futures.
Volunteers cleaned and painted five classrooms, donated essential stationery, and hosted a dynamic workshop for the school’s teachers, focusing on effective, play-based teaching strategies.
“The foundation phase of education is crucial for the holistic development of each child, physically, socially, cognitively and emotionally,” said Prof Martha Matashu in her address to the school staff.
Dr Elsabe Wessels, a Grade R specialist from the faculty, emphasised the value of play in early learning.
“Grade R is not meant to be a mini-grade one,” she explained. “It’s about using play, pictures, and interaction to support learning in a way that aligns with children's natural development.”
The school principal, Mr Setlhare Modise, expressed deep gratitude for the NWU’s generosity and dedication, saying the contribution would leave a lasting mark on the school’s environment and morale.
Animal Health students clean streets and care for pets
Meanwhile, in Phola Village, students from the subject group Animal Health teamed up with the Mahikeng Local Municipality’s Indigent Management office and the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to bring much-needed services to the community.
The students led a cleanup campaign in the area and vaccinated pets against common diseases, promoting both public health and animal welfare. At the same time, COGTA officials registered residents on the National Housing Needs Register, while municipal officials enrolled eligible households for free basic services under the indigent programme. A team also repainted the local kgotla, restoring it as a hub for traditional leadership and community gatherings.
“It is an honour to assist communities in honour of Nelson Mandela,” said Prof Mulunda Mwanza from the subject group Animal Health. “And this spirit of service shouldn’t be limited to Mandela Day. We should strive to do good every day for those in need.”
Living Mandela’s legacy every day
The NWU Faculty of Education team with members of the GJ Podile Primary School in Mahikeng.
Manager in the office of the deputy vice-chancellor Lester Mpolokeng with the Animal Health team.
At the NWU, Mandela Day is not just one day of giving – it is a way of life.
From classrooms to clinics, playgrounds to pet care, the NWU’s Mandela Day activities reflected the university’s strong commitment to social responsibility. These initiatives not only honoured Madiba’s legacy – they also helped instil a deeper culture of community engagement and service among staff and students.
