By Loveness Hulwane

Student Life at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus organised a community clean-up project on Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July.

Students and Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employees joined hands to clean up areas along Hendrick van Eck Boulevard and Frikkie Meyer Street in Vanderbijlpark.

The 108 participating students were divided into three groups: semi-finalists from Mr and Miss Campus, societies and chapters and residences, and alongside EPWP employees demonstrated their commitment to an ethic of care and looking after the environment.

“Today is a memorable day as we work with our children to show them the value of hard work in providing for their future. They should study hard to ensure a comfortable life,” said EPWP supervisor Phillip Gqozo.

“These small gestures embody what we mean by ‘walking the talk,’ as we practice the ethic of care with our students,” said Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations.

Director for student life on the campus, Chris Williams, added that the greatest gift one can give to the community is time. “By dedicating 67 minutes to this clean-up project, we fulfil our commitment to community service.”

Lethiwe Kubheka, the event organiser and cultural officer at Student life, highlighted the project's aim of social responsibility, and thanked all the students for getting involved in community engagement activities. “Thank you for joining us in giving back to the community and for honouring the NWU’s ethic of care.”

Students and Expanded Public Works Programme employees get their hands dirty in the spirit of Mandela Day.