It is a unique North-West University (NWU) tradition that you will find in few other places. This tradition encapsulates the spirit of the NWU’s students: a commitment to their community and the determination to ensure a better life for those the university serve.
It is the annual RAG Student RAG Community Service (SRCS) pay-out function where millions of rands – collected by students – are given back to the community. On Friday 21 February more than R2,2 million was paid to various charitable causes.
These funds change lives and there is a specific focus on the communities of Ikageng and Promosa to ensure that these changes become a reality.
The money is used for a multitude of purposes, including the rebuilding of preschools, renovating bathrooms and kitchens at schools, and various other upliftment projects.
Examples include a mammoth R1 100 000 that was paid to needy students, and the Drug and Alcohol Project that received R28 000. Other projects such as the Guide Dog Association, Childline, Touching Africa, PAWS and Dignity Dreams, also received substantial funds.
In addition, 15,7 tons of clothing was collected during Barefoot Day, and 42 895 cans of food during Canned Food Day.
More about SRCS
Founded in 1977, SRCS is an initiative like no other and one of the biggest of its kind in the world. It is run by students at the NWU’s campus in Potchefstroom who aspire to serve the university’s surrounding community and those in need of assistance.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” says SRCS chairperson Ruandro Minnaar.
“When I think about SRCS I don’t just think about the biggest student driven non-profit organisation in the world, but I also think about all the lives that can be enriched through the opportunities that are created.
“No matter who you are, you have the ability to make a difference. We are grateful for the continuous support we receive.”
Frans Maila, SRCS consultant is handed a cheque for R40 000 by SRCS chairperson Ruandro Minnaar. The funds will be used to build class rooms at the Mpheneng Mhale daycare centre in Potchefstroom. Photo: Tian du Preez.
