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Abigail Webb: A fusion of academic excellence and community impact

28 November 2023 | Story Michelle Nöthling | Photo Andile Andries Ndlovu

Nelisiwe Vilakazi and Abigail Webb — Nelisiwe Vilakazi (Head of Department for Social Development: KZN) and Abigail Webb during the ASASWEI International Conference and Awards 2023.

In a remarkable feat, Abigail ‘Zinhle’ Webb has clinched the prestigious Best Student Achievement Award from the Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI), standing out among the nation's top-ranking students. This accolade, beyond acknowledging academic prowess, demands a notable contribution to the community – a criterion Abigail undeniably fulfils.

Elizabeth Msadu, Assistant Director of Student Counselling and Development and Abigail’s supervisor during her final year in Social Work at the University of the Free State (UFS) commends Abigail for “her passion, integrity, high standards, and perhaps most of all, how selflessly she strives to improve the lives of the students around her.”

Community engagement: breaking taboos

Abigail's success is not confined to academic excellence; her proactive approach to community issues is equally commendable. Observing the free condom container in her residence bathroom one day, she questioned the absence of support for female students regarding sanitary products. She found that “there is still immense shame around vaginal health.” This led to the initiation of workshops and the #comebleedwithusperiod social media challenge, normalising discussions around women’s menstrual health.

During her tenure on Akasia’s Residence Committee and as Prime this year, Abigail identified a reluctance among female students to assume leadership roles. Questioning this disparity, she launched a project aimed at addressing female apprehension surrounding leadership and failure. Through this initiative, Abigail empowered female students to embrace leadership positions and overcome societal expectations.

Future plans: a commitment to growth

While Abigail is drawn to child and family services, and adoption work, she plans to gain practical experience before pursuing a Master’s degree. Inspired by the researchers she encountered at the ASASWEI conference and award ceremony, she expresses her newfound interest in research, envisioning a future where she actively contributes to the field.

Time well spent: reflecting on four years

Reflecting on her proudest achievements she said, “I think I’m most proud that I spent my time well. I lived to my fullest during my four years of study.” Recognising the crucial role of belonging in student success, she emphasises the significance of forming connections. From a shy, first-year student with a stutter, Abigail evolved into a dynamic force, dedicated to connecting and serving the community.

As Abigail approaches the end of her studies, she acknowledges the uncertainty of the next step but asserts with confidence, “It’s going to be okay. I’m going to be okay.”

News Archive

Minister praises MUCPP initiative

2004-10-04

The Minister of Labour, Mr MMS Mdladlana, singled out the Mangaung University of the Free State Community Partnership Programme (MUCPP) for high praise during a conference at the MUCPP complex on 30 September 2004 .

“I am very pleased with what the partnership of different stakeholders can do and I thank all stakeholders for contributing to this initiative. This is the kind of energy that our country needs,” the minister told delegates to the conference.

He said the MUCPP was a very unusual and important partnership that is related directly to the mandate of government and supports two strategic objectives of government, namely halving poverty and halving unemployment.

The MUCPP was launched in 1991 as a partnership between the University of the Free State , the local community of Mangaung, local and provincial government and the private sector, in an effort to develop skills and contribute to fighting poverty.

Some of the existing projects of the MUCPP include:

Health centre (including a 24-hour maternity ward)
Dairy producing yoghurt and amasi
Sewing and knitting project
Indigenous food production (Tsa se tso)
Bakery
Bed and Breakfast accommodation
Etsa phapang (a hydroponic facility growing various vegetables)
Welding project
Low cost housing project
Sport and recreation facilities and programmes

According to the Minister, hundreds of young people, adult learners and people with disabilities have benefited from training and skills development and have become involved in carpentry, welding, painting, cleaning services, gardening and HIV / AIDS awareness programmes.

Minister Mdladlana said he was pleased that through partnerships with several Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) which fall under the Department of Labour, the MUCPP could access hundreds of thousands of rands for such training and development.

“I can just salute those that have made it possible, and to encourage you to keep up the good work,” the minister said.

The MUCPP also provides a means for students of the UFS to render community service. The UFS was one of the first universities in South Africa to adopt a comprehensive community service policy in 2002. In terms of the policy, community service is integrated into curricula through service learning modules.

It is therefore of great importance that the UFS should support community sites such as the MUCPP where a holistic and integrated approach to mutual and reciprocal development of all partners is followed.

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