The Durban University of Technology (DUT) engaged in various community outreach programmes as part of Mandela Day commemorations, today, 18 July 2018.

DUT Library staff offered refreshments to students across different campuses. Librarians around DUT decided to come together and sponsor meals for students for this year’s 67 minutes as part of Mandela Day celebrations.

Subject Librarian, Mousin Omar, said it is important for students to get proper food in order for them to study.  “We know that some of our students come from poor backgrounds and today was another way of creating awareness that as the DUT community we need to help our students,” she said.

Third year Journalism student, Thandeka Hlongwa said DUT Library staff act of kindness was uplifting. “It was such a refreshing thing to see people out and doing good not just to people who are separated or detached from them but to actual students who have real stories. We are very grateful to DUT Library staff for showing us that they appreciate us,” said Hlongwa.

Furthermore, the DUT Library staff participated in another community outreach programme, by donating handmade scarfs and blankets to Abalindi Home, an old age home located in Inanda, Durban.

Commenting about their activities today, 18 July 2018, DUT Subject Librarian, Nontutuzelo Songoni said Mandela Day is all about being selfless.

“The Spirit of Ubuntu is what we must all strive for. Being selfless is what Mandela Day is about. We should embody this, and show the same qualities towards one another and learn to be tolerant,” said Songoni.

Meanwhile, the Faculty of Health Sciences participated in a series of activities as part of their Mandela Day community outreach programmes. Some of these activities included:

• Health Screening Programme at the Phoenix Gandhi Settlement; the programme will be facilitated by Prof Noddy Jinabhai and Dr Euvette Taylor, in collaboration with the Phoenix Settlement Trust.
• The DUT Health Sciences Clinic on Ritson Road offered free Homoeopathic treatment which included; free consultation to the general public, students and staff.
• Nursing Department and Homeopathy offered free medical care to the general public of the Mkhizwana Village.

Pictured: DUT SteveBiko Campus Librarians pose for a picture before offering students refreshments.

Thembela Makhuba & Nduduzo Ndlovu