Commemorating Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July 2024, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Khayelitsha residence on the Mahikeng Campus spent 67 minutes at the Mahikeng Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) centre.

“When we think about community engagement work, advocacy for animal rights often takes a backseat to other issues in society. Our residence initiative to partner with the Mahikeng SPCA aims to raise awareness about the rights of animals in society, and advocate for their care,” says Fazlin Lahri, residence administrator.

The students spent their time at the centre cleaning the animal kennels, while the centre’s administration team explained the work of the centre and how the adoption process works. The team also gave demonstrations on how to care for your animal at home.

At the end of the proceedings, the residence house committee handed over their donation consisting of animal beds, office supplies for the administrative staff, and signs that can be put up to help visitors navigate the centre.

“As a residence, we always seek new ways to distinguish ourselves as a junior residence of choice on campus. One of the ways we choose to do this is through creating a dynamic residence life steeped in diverse, inclusive and vibrant programmes for our residents. As house committee we are also grateful for the full support of our residence management team,” says Junior Manganyi, acting primarius of Khayelitsha residence.

Members of the Khayelitsha residence on the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus reach out to the Mahikeng SPCA centre in the spirit of Nelson Mandela.