Every July, South Africans are invited to reflect on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, whose leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice helped shape the democratic society we know today. Mandela Month serves as a reminder that building a better South Africa is not the responsibility of a few, but a shared responsibility that belongs to all of us.
For the University of the Free State (UFS), this responsibility extends beyond our campuses. As an institution rooted in teaching, learning, research, and community engagement, we recognise the importance of working alongside communities, responding to societal challenges, and creating opportunities that improve lives. The values that Mandela stood for continue to resonate with the University’s commitment to creating responsible societal futures and contributing meaningfully to the communities we serve.
This Mandela Month, the UFS community is encouraged to embrace the spirit of giving through a range of initiatives taking place across the institution. Whether through donating resources, supporting fundraising efforts, volunteering time, or participating in community projects, every contribution has the potential to make a difference. Throughout July, staff members, students, alumni, and partners will have opportunities to support causes that reflect a simple but important idea: meaningful impact begins when people choose to act.
Ubuntu Giving: supporting student success
While Mandela Month is often associated with 67 minutes of service, its message extends far beyond a single day. It is a reminder that meaningful change is built through consistent acts of generosity, compassion, and shared responsibility.
Reflecting on the purpose behind the campaign, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Prof Hester C. Klopper says helping more students requires a collective effort. “Supporting students is not only a priority for the University. It is a shared responsibility that calls for strong partnerships and a collective commitment to opportunity.”
The VC-ISRC Imbewu Legacy Fund and the No Student Hungry Programme respond to two of the most pressing challenges facing students. While the Imbewu Legacy Fund expands access to higher education through financial support, the No Student Hungry Programme helps address food insecurity, allowing students to focus on their studies and realise their aspirations.
Dr Temba Hlasho, Executive Director of the Division of Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture, says Mandela Month also reminds the University community of the importance of removing barriers that prevent students from reaching their full potential.
“Students across the sector continue to face significant barriers in accessing higher education, whether due to financial constraints, socio-economic circumstances, or psycho-social challenges. Through this pledge, we are planting a seed that will empower students to access education and realise their full potential.”
In the spirit of Mandela’s 67 years of public service, the University encourages
contributions in multiples of 67. Whether that’s R67, R670, R6 700, or more, each contribution plays a role in strengthening support for students. Departments and teams are also encouraged to consider collective contributions as a way of extending their impact together.
Prof Klopper believes these partnerships demonstrate the impact of investing in students. “At the heart of this work is a simple but powerful idea: every seed counts, and every student matters. When we invest in students, we invest in the future of our communities, our economy, and our country.”
Community engagement initiatives
Beyond fundraising, the
Directorate for Community Engagement, together with several faculties, departments, and units across the University, will lead a range of community initiatives throughout July. These include a Children’s Fun Day, visits to orphanages, old age homes and hospitals, food gardening projects, donation drives, and other activities aimed at making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Prof Klopper adds that these initiatives reflect the University’s commitment to positive change in its communities. “Our vision of creating responsible societal futures calls on us to look beyond our campuses and consider how our actions improve lives. Mandela Month offers an opportunity for all of us to turn that commitment into practical action.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr Bawinile Mthanti, Manager: Societal Impact within the Directorate for Community Engagement, says lasting societal impact is built through purposeful partnerships and meaningful action. “Every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to building stronger, more resilient communities.”
Staff members, students, alumni, and partners are invited to take part in these initiatives throughout the month. Whether through volunteering time, donating resources, supporting fundraising efforts, or sharing skills, every contribution forms part of a shared effort to strengthen communities.
The following Mandela Month activities will take place across UFS during July:
| Date | Unit | Initiative | Description |
|---|
| Throughout July | Directorate for Community Engagement | Donation Drive | Staff are encouraged to donate clothing, shoes, blankets, books, toys and toiletries to support community members in need throughout Mandela Month. |
| 16–17 July (Qwaqwa Campus) | Directorate for Community Engagement | Children’s Fun Day and Community Outreach | Children will participate in educational and recreational activities while staff and students engage with the local community through acts of service. |
| 17 July | Fundraising and Alumni Relations | Campus food gardening | Staff and students will establish and maintain food gardens across all three campuses, promoting sustainability, food security, and collective community action. |
| 17 July | Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and ACCESS UFS Programme | Great Wall to Freedom – A Living-Lab, eARTherapy Extravaganza | Staff, students and community members will help build sustainable garden beds, benches, and other practical structures at the National District Hospital using environmentally friendly materials. |
| 17 July | Faculty of Health Sciences | El Pizo House of Hope | Students and staff will create safe outdoor play spaces, support caregivers through educational activities, and collect essential items for babies and young children. |
| 17 July | Faculty of Health Sciences | Free State Care in Action (VVA) | Caregivers will receive practical sensory stimulation training and resources to support children’s development and emotional well-being. |
| 17 July | Faculty of Health Sciences | Financial and Wellness Expo (Bloemfontein Campus) | Students will have access to information and support on financial planning, wellness, stress management, and available student support services. |
| 17 July | Faculty of Health Sciences | Amazing Race Health Promotion (South Campus) | An interactive campus experience introducing students to health, wellness, and support services through engaging activities. |
| 18 July | Directorate for Community Engagement (with Kovsie Sport, Kovsie ACT, Faculty of the Humanities, and Library and Information Services) | Children’s Fun Day | A collaborative day of games, sport, creative activities, and learning experiences designed to bring joy to children while promoting community engagement. |
| 20 July | Faculty of Law | Sanitary Pad Drive | The School of Financial Planning Law will donate 250 sanitary pad packs to students, helping to address period poverty and support student dignity. |
| Date to be confirmed | Faculty of Law | Street Law Programme | Staff and students will provide legal information and support at a community advice centre while contributing practical assistance to the partner organisation. |
| 31 July | ACCESS UFS Programme | Talita Cumi Baby House | Students will support house mothers through childcare, cleaning, painting, and other practical activities identified by the baby house. |
| 31 July | ACCESS UFS Programme | Reënboog Old Age Home | Volunteers will assist with mural painting, gardening, and activities that promote environmental care and community well-being. |
| 31 July | ACCESS UFS Programme | Feral Cats Programme | A campus awareness campaign encouraging students to support and participate in the University’s feral cat programme. |