The Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently brightened the lives of residents at Emuseni Home for the Aged in Pietermaritzburg with a touching Mandela Day initiative titled “67 Minutes of Nurturing the Elderly in Unit.” This event, which was part of the university’s 67 Minutes of Mandela Day celebration, saw a spirited assembly of DUT staff and students from Nursing, Somatology, Chiropractic, Dental Assisting, and the Community Engagement unit in the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement.
The visit aimed to honour and uplift the elderly residents of Emuseni, showcasing DUT’s commitment to community service and the values enshrined in the ENVISION2030 strategy. The university’s initiative highlighted their dedication to making a positive impact in the community.
The elderly residents were warmly welcomed and treated to a range of thoughtful gestures. Donations included essential items such as mattresses, pillows, bathroom tissues, washing powder, along with DUT hampers. The day also featured a range of enriching activities: the students provided health education, offered massages, and entertained the residents with music from their choir. The day before, the students had also contributed to giving Emuseni a fresh look with a much-needed paint facelift.
Mr. Nkabinde, representing the Office of the Councilor of Ward 22, spoke at the event, expressing gratitude to DUT for their unwavering commitment to the elderly. He highlighted the significance of understanding our purpose on earth and emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. Mr. Nkabinde also commended the various contributions the DUT’s Faculty of Health Sciences has made through its community projects and encouraged students to remember their roots and continue their service to others. His words resonated deeply: “Doing good to others is not a duty but a joy, because it increases your happiness as well as your health.”
Mrs Mkhize, a resident of Emuseni, expressed her heartfelt thanks to DUT for their continuous support. “Our home has been painted and is looking nice and clean. We are very thankful to DUT for everything you do for us,” she exclaimed.
The gift-giving was spearheaded by Mrs Ngcobo, who led the project with dedication. She took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the generous donors who made the day possible. Special thanks were given to the students from the Faculty of Health Sciences for their pillow donations, past DUT Alumni for their contributions of mattresses and bathroom tissues, Njingi Projects for their donation of washing powder, Rose Projects for their food contribution for the students on the day, TX Energy and DUT for the painting and gift hampers.
The day’s activities were a beautiful reminder of the power of community spirit and the joy of giving back. Through their actions, the DUT’s Faculty of Health Sciences not only brightened the lives of the elderly residents at Emuseni but also demonstrated the enduring impact of service and compassion.
Pictured: DUT Nursing students with the residents of Emuseni home for the elderly.
Phumeza Msongelwa and Vukani Langa
