Unlike the Learning and Teaching, and the Research Portfolios, the Engagement and Transformation work of the university is a mandate which is currently not receiving an equitable level of funding by the Department of Higher Education. Hence, the quest to mobilise resources in support of Nelson Mandela University's endeavours to explore co-constructed solutions to societal issues like hunger, unemployment, GBV, and psycho-socio-emotional challenges through the Hubs of Convergence. View more...
The objectives of the Mandela University Convergence Fund include:
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Mobilising resources for the University to contribute directly to challenges facing communities in aftermath of the pandemic.
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Enabling the University to partner with a range of stakeholder-communities, including civil society organisations, NGOs and other relevant structures to address poverty, deprivation and hunger in a pragmatic and practical manner.
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Providing the University community with a practical mechanism for expressing solidarity by donating funding to address inequalities in our society.
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Giving practical expression to our value of Ubuntu.
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Helping to foster a more humane society.
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Advancing the programmatic development of the Hubs of Convergence, buttressed on the principles of convergence, reciprocity, and multiple forms of output, at Mandela University.
Transformative Engagement through the Hubs of Convergence.
The Hubs of Convergence (HoC) is envisioned as a collaborative equalising multi-stakeholder space of exploration for the positioning and re-positioning of the engagement and transformation interface of Nelson Mandela University. It is both a feasible and doable option for reimagining the institution as a university in service of society. Several projects are undertaken by the Hubs of Convergence, as outlined below:
Zwide Community Development Project
The Zwide Community Development Project is an initiative driven by Zwide Community members in convergence with the HoC. The community, alongside the HoC are exploring developmental projects for alleviation of poverty in Zwide, Gqeberha. The various individually led organizations within the Zwide Community acknowledge that they have several developmental activities and infrastructure in the area. However, there is a need for support in terms of planning, conceptualization and funding of these projects. Some of the challenges identified by the community include extreme poverty, abuse of drugs, gangsterism and unemployment.
The Zwide Community Development Project envisions the establishment of developmental projects including:
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Skills Development Centre.
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Community Kitchens and Home Gardening.
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Educational Academy.
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Arts and Culture Development Centre.
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Sports Academy.
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Environmental Programmes.
Gender Based Violence Group
This forum brings together Mandela University stakeholders - HIV Unit and Transformation Office along with local NGOs and CBOs focused on various aspects of gender-based violence. The purpose of the forum is to foster collaboration between fellow member organisations, build a network for understanding each other’s work, and a supportive environment for organisational development.
Areas requiring support are:
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GBV, HIV and Mental Health Awareness Campaigns.
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Support for Health Professionals, Caretakers and Community Leaders.
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Empowerment Programmes and Initiatives driven towards Children, Women, Men and Queer Communities.
The Sewing Project
The Sewing Project endeavours to source and distribute masks, as well as to develop economic initiatives within local, marginalised communities in Gqeberha. In 2021, possibilities emerged to build small sewing enterprises or cooperatives along with stakeholder communities, through collaboration with Manyano Schools and the Association for People with Physical Disabilities (APD).
Manyano Schools has identified two people from within each of the schools’ communities who are interested in this programme, and the schools will work with their associated participants to develop possibilities for acting as the first ‘client’ for respective sewing enterprises. APD has for twenty (20) years run a sewing enterprise on their premises, has facilities to offer sewing training, and is committed to mentoring participants through the process of establishing their own small enterprises.
Funding towards this project would assist in providing logistical support (transportation, stationery, catering, printing and consultations for the following):
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Committee Strategic Sessions.
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Workshops: Solidarity Economy/ Cooperatives.
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Workshops: Funding Proposal Development.
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