Languages: 
In a partnership that was molded through a common goal in attempts to create a feasible learning environment for WSU students, the SRC recently lent a helping hand to unfunded students at the Mthatha Campus.
Led by Premier, Litha Ngalonkulu, the Mthatha campus SRC, Student Affairs office and Campus Rector, Prof Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele, joined hands to donate food parcels to 300 students.
“Students are really struggling out there. Not being funded is very challenging as a student, and I know this from experience. It is important for us students to unite and do the little we can to assist other students and that’s what this initiative is about,” said Ngalonkulu.
These challenges were identified by a group of 6 students at the campus, who undertook the ‘Donation Campaign’ after coming across a social media post about an unfunded student living in one of the campus’ residence.
One of the founding members of Donation Campaign, Sinovuyo Tololo said “For people who live amongst other students, we see these challenges and it is very difficult to ignore one of your own knowing very well that this will also affect the student’s performance in class.”
She added, “When we started this campaign, we went door to door asking for donations from other students just for one student. However, the reality is that the student we identified was not the only one going through the same thing.”
Tololo together with Vuyolwethu Mgoqi, Malwande Ngexe, Ziyanda Gusha, Luthando Mzobe and Bokang Letshela, later identified about 300 students who faced similar challenges and approached the SCR.
Ngalonkulu said, “Whatever we do has to be in relation to the vision and mission of the university which stipulates ‘Technology infused African university’. This includes doing the African thing and keeping the spirit of Ubuntu alive by helping out underprivileged students where we can.”
“This is a significant initiative because the current Mthatha SRC felt they should plough back and take care of their needy peer and try to make a difference in other students’ lives. This project was a start and the aim is to incorporate it to ENACTUS in the near future,” said Student Development and Support Services’ Dr Thandiwe Mangxa.
Enactus is the world’s largest experiential learning platform dedicated to creating a better world while developing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders and social innovators by guiding teams of students to conduct needs assessments in their community, identify potential solutions to complex issues and implement community impact projects.
- Ongezwa Sigodi
