“If we act together, if we act now, and if we act decisively, we will overcome it.”
This page is dedicated to this call to action by President Cyril Ramaphosa and our own institutional commitment in limiting the effects of the coronavirus on our people, our metro, province and country.
We can do so by volunteering our time and talents throughout our metro and beyond and by sharing stories of what we as staff, students and alumni are doing. The latter will hopefully serve to inspire and encourage others to play their part.
The University is facilitating a volunteer process in seeking the expertise of professionals (health professionals, academics, manufacturing specialists, ICT technicians etc.) and any others who wish to help. It is working in partnership with other organisations across the metro and province, like business and the medical fraternity, to this end. Individuals will be contacted as and when needed in line with supporting governance processes. Attached is a volunteer form that you may be required to sign going forward: Standard Operating Procedures - General Volunteers.
Do you have a heartwarming story to tell?
Are you, as a Mandela University student, staff member or alumni, helping to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, or know of other Madibaz who are doing their bit? If so, please share your stories and ideas by emailing us.
Volunteer your professional service
Do you have skills, expertise or time to volunteer in fighting the pandemic?
If so, please complete this form.
Frontline staff series: Teamwork making a difference
Occupational Health Centre staff members Zilla Shaw, Natalie Meyer and Keenan Magielies form part of those going the extra mile on campus.
Staff Stories of Hope and Courage
The Coronavirus pandemic has touched lives across the globe. Here at home, in South Africa, case numbers are rising and have reached Nelson Mandela University.
Gaining experience
Lulama Zweni, 59, is very happy working at the University’s Occupational Health Services as she feels that she is gaining lots of experience, especially in this time of the pandemic.
A jack of all trades
Kobus Magielies has been at the University’s Occupational Health Services (OCH) since 2007 and calls himself a “jack of all trades” as he captures official staff health statistics, especially those needed for the VC’s Office, Communication and Marketing, HR and ICT Services.
Honouring Mandela University’s Frontline Staff
Ensuring that Nelson Mandela University’s campuses are safe and functioning while striving to complete the academic year, in the midst of a global pandemic takes a team.
Social Work student creates soup kitchen to feed 60 children
“I always wanted to make a difference, no matter how small, says third-year Social Work student Alicia Daniels, who stays in Tiryville, a township within Uitenhage, where there is lots of poverty.
Mandela volunteers assist in packing 220 food parcels
After calling for student and staff volunteers to assist in packing food parcels for communities and organisations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nelson Mandela University’s Convergence Fund Deployment Committee (CFDC) recently managed the delivery of 220 food parcels.
University-produced hand sanitiser for those in need
A number of community-based organisations, NGOs and a clinic, recently received a total of 750 litres (in 5 litre containers) of hand sanitiser as part of Nelson Mandela University’s ongoing support to communities.
Always wear a clean mask
Nelson Mandela University staff and students have been working hard to support the country’s fight against Covid-19 with many people volunteering, designing & making masks, assisting with designing/making other protective equipment and designing & implementing technology-based apps & programmes.
Philosophy Prof does more than her fair share
Mandela University Professor in Philosophy, Andre Hurst, really has gone above and beyond to embrace the University’s #MaskUp Mandela campaign philosophy of “…each one of us doing something ordinary to ensure an extraordinary impact – that of protecting ourselves and protecting others by simply (making and) wearing masks.”
Mandela Uni alumni shine in response to COVID-19
Be it engineering or entrepreneurial skills, an ability to network, educate or simply to remind us of the positives in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, Nelson Mandela University alumni are doing their bit.
George volunteer team full steam ahead with over 100 masks in the bag!
After heeding the call to the institutional MaskUp campaign, the George campus volunteer team have managed to produce over 100 masks in just over a week. Campus staff and students sharpened their sewing skills, oiled their machines and vowed that no George campus community member will be maskless, during the Covid19 pandemic.
Cleaning team steps up for university deep clean
Our cleaning teams are leading the way so that other University staff and students can return to campus in a phased approach when given the go-ahead.
Mandela alumnus starts free LockdownLevels app to keep South Africans informed
Alumnus Vanessa Mhlom, a business analyst at the Nybble financial technology company in Johannesburg, came up with the idea to develop the LockdownLevels app, to give users detailed updated information about their district’s lockdown level, by using a smartphone GPS-tracking capability.
#MaskUpMandela: Donate material for masks
As the #MaskUpMandela movement gains momentum as part of a collective national drive to change behaviour and save lives, the University is seeking material donations to make masks.
Mechatronics donates face shields
The Mechatronics Department at Mandela University is playing its part in the fight against COVID-19 by donating face shields.