The broadcast, social media and print awareness campaign, under the banner of the University’s #MaskUpMandela movement, is one of the institution’s many responses to collectively address challenges, like much needed changes in behaviour, triggered by the coronavirus.

With prevention measures being everyone’s best defence against the virus, the campaign will focus on these measures in a bid to change behaviours and thereby save lives.

“With the peak of the pandemic looming, it is more important than ever to sensitise every individual in our community to wear masks, sanitise and wash their hands and practice physical distancing. These actions are in your hands,” says the University’s head of marketing Vuyo Bongela.

The external awareness campaign, an extension of what has already been rolled out internally to instil changed behaviours among staff and students, will run from 13 to 31 July.

Apart from the radio and newspaper advertisements, in spreading the “It is in your hands” message, the University is running a social media cartoon series, called eRona Times, in three languages. In addition, it will be sharing pertinent messages on welcoming banners, e-boards and posters across all seven campuses, including George in the southern Cape.

Staff members and students will also be requested to use a new email signature with the “It is in your hands” reminder. This will be sent shortly.   

Communication and Marketing