Staff and students in the Department of Applied Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) have come together to support people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability through a blanket donation to Life Changer.
Life Changer is a Pietermaritzburg-based non-profit organisation that supports homeless and vulnerable people. Staff and students across the department donated blankets and baby blankets, which the organisation has distributed to people in need.
The initiative was led by Dr Thembisa Mjwacu, a lecturer in the Department of Applied Management, who said the blanket drive highlighted the importance of compassion, dignity and collective responsibility in supporting vulnerable communities.
“The collaboration with Life Changer increased awareness of the challenges experienced by homeless and vulnerable communities. It highlighted the importance of compassion, dignity, and collective responsibility in addressing homelessness and social exclusion,” she said.
The blanket drive forms part of an ongoing relationship between the Department of Applied Management and Life Changer through the University’s community engagement work. The partnership also creates opportunities for students to apply their academic knowledge to real challenges faced by the organisation.
As part of their assessments, students work on challenges identified by Life Changer, applying the knowledge and industry skills gained through their studies. This provides students with practical experience while contributing to the organisation’s work and supporting its community initiatives.
“For staff and students, the partnership provided an opportunity to connect academic theory with real-world societal challenges while contributing meaningfully to the community,” said Dr Mjwacu.
Life Changer representative Simphiwe Nasha thanked the department for the donation and for its continued support.
“Thank you once again for the generous donation you gave to us and for trusting us to distribute it. It definitely means a lot for our clients, and the fact that someone thinks about them during winter and does something about it is life-changing. We are fortunate to witness those moments,” said Nasha.
“We’re very grateful to have partners who see value in what we do and take part. It’s encouraging for us, and the impact goes a long way,” Nasha added.
Head of Department Professor Bongani Dlamini said the partnership reflects DUT’s commitment to serving society through meaningful community engagement.
“ENVISION2030 calls on us to be an engaged university, one that serves society and helps improve the lives of the people and communities around us. Our relationship with Life Changer is that vision in action. Through the blanket drive, our staff and students responded directly to the needs of our neighbours,” said Prof Dlamini.
“We want our graduates to leave DUT not only as capable managers, but as socially responsive citizens who live the values of stewardship and Ubuntu. I am proud of our staff and students, and we look forward to growing this partnership,” he added.
The Department of Applied Management’s relationship with Life Changer will continue beyond the blanket drive, creating further opportunities for staff and students to contribute to the organisation while gaining practical experience through community engagement.
Pictured: Staff from the Department of Applied Management with Life Changer representatives during the blanket handover.
