In commemoration of Nelson Mandela and his legacy, the Gandhi Development Trust in partnership with the Phoenix Settlement Trust and the Durban University of Technology (DUT), recently hosted a 67 Minute campaign where volunteers were invited to scrape, plaster, and paint the garden walls of the Phoenix Settlement National Heritage Site.
The Phoenix Settlement was declared a National Heritage Site on the 151st anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth date. The National Heritage Site is most notable for being the site where Mahatma Gandhi established a commune; started his work on the ideology of Satyagraha and first printed his newspaper, The Indian Opinion.
The significance of the site could be felt as the DUT staff and students entered the site and were greeted by members of the Gandhi Development Trust and Phoenix Heritage site. The site not only celebrates the life of Mahatma Gandhi but also other revolutionary South African heroes who shaped our democracy and fought for freedom. Large portions of the museum on the site are dedicated to showcasing the life and achievements of Nelson Mandela, and the similarities that existed between his pursuit of freedom for all, and that of Mahatma Gandhi.
Twelve DUT students, primarily from the DUT SAICE and Golden Key Student Chapters volunteered their time. The students were eager to be a part of the volunteering efforts and happily engaged in their 67 minutes of work. They excitedly celebrated revolution melodies as they worked, reminiscing on the sacrifices that the works of Nelson Mandela and many other struggle heroes had allowed for their current freedom and access to opportunities.
Once the refurbishment and painting of the garden walls were complete, volunteers were invited to a formal programme at the site’s museum. There were multiple esteemed guests and representatives, namely Ela Gandhi of the Gandhi Development Trust, Dr Kira Erwin- a Senior Researcher at the Urban Futures Centre at DUT, and Don Gumede, son of the late struggle veteran Archie Gumede. The guests all spoke about the importance of being active citizens who regularly engaged in supporting their communities and those in need. They also applauded the youth for realising the importance of service and contributing to societal change at a young age.
The event culminated in a delicious meal sponsored by the Gandhi Development Trust and Phoenix Settlement Trust.
Speaking on the importance of such initiatives, Ms Phumzile Xulu from the Engagement Office under the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (DVC: RIE) said that it is through community outreach initiatives like this, that the University can reach out and support important causes like this one, preserving a historic site and whilst allowing the students to learn about the history of our democracy.
“The culture of being an engaged citizen is cultivated by volunteer opportunities like these for students,” she said.
Pictured: Volunteers hard at work renovating the site.
Photographer: Sibonelo Mahlaba
Tracy Khuzwayo
