The North-West University (NWU) is and will continue to be, an active role-player in the different communities it serves. This is according to Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor of the NWU’s campus in Vanderbijlpark, who recently had the honour of officiating the opening of the regional CANSA Relay for Life event.

This year saw the campus playing host to the event for the fifth consecutive year.

In her address Prof Du Plessis spoke about the university’s involvement with the community and explained that apart from its institutional mission, the NWU prides itself on being part and parcel of each community encapsulated by its ever growing demographical footprint.

“In the case of this campus – which is the smallest of the three campuses – a sense of community and closeness is almost tangible,” said Prof Du Plessis and continued to say that during an event such as the annual relay, the campus community extends a hand of support and solidarity to all those affected by cancer.

“In 2016 when we hosted the event, we found ourselves in the middle of the national #FeesMustFall protest campaign, but we decided to continue with the event since we knew that the hearts of our staff and students beat with compassion for this worthy cause. Since then out students and staff have undertaken many initiatives to raise funds to help those students who do not have the means to study or who cannot afford many of the other expenses that comes with studying, such as books, meals and safe accommodation,” explained Prof Du Plessis and thanked the community and business sector for their continued support in terms of student access and funding.

With more than 17 000 students graduating from the NWU in 2017, Prof Du Plessis trusts that the value of social justice and a commitment to excellence are the values that NWU students will live wherever they may find themselves, and by doing so contribute toward a better, safer and healthier society.

In closing, Prof Du Plessis said the following: “Tonight I want to salute every single cancer survivor present, as well as their family and friends. By fighting this illness with bravery and extraordinary perseverance you are a beacon of hope to all of us and I pray that surviving cancer is for you not the end of a painful story but rather the beginning of a beautiful new chapter. Tonight we walk alongside you because you inspire us.”