Students reach out and give

Vanderbijlpark – If you thought varsity was all about studies and socializing, think again!

The students from the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU) recently showed that they are not only young at heart but also hearty givers, caring for their community.

The annual RAG-event (Reach-out And Give) saw the students uniting for a good cause – raising much needed funds for charity. In true student-style, the event took the form of a music concert with several well-known musicians and DJ’s gracing the stage. Apart from the concert, the students also took to the streets, dressed-up and jovially asking for donations.

During the recent RAG Charity Ceremony the Director of Student Affairs, Jacob Simango, re-iterated that the spirit of RAG is one of giving from the heart and that the student community, through their devotion and participation, truly embraced the spirit of “Ubuntu”. In his address the Campus Rector, Prof Thanyani Mariba applauded the Student Representative Council (CSRC) for their initiative and drive towards making RAG 2010 such a success.

Prof Mariba stated that one of the most important responsibilities of a University is to take an active stance in addressing the socio-economic needs of the community. “Many of our students are experiencing the brunt of the economic recession first-hand, but they looked further than their own needs and joined hands to make the community a better place”, says Prof Mariba and adds that this unselfish act is a good indicator of the calibre of the Vaal Triangle Campus student community. During the Charity Ceremony two charities received a donation of R10 000 each, namely the Matwala Children’s' Home in Vanderbijlpark and the Gift of the Givers Association.

The latter is a National Non-governmental Organisation which is aiding in the Haiti earthquake disaster, delivering rescue services as well as humanitarian aid.
In retrospect the student community proved the words of Winston Churchill to be true, when he said that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

Representatives of the Campus Student Representative Council as well as several House Committees were present during the RAG Charity Ceremony.
Pictured with the students are Mr JC van Niekerk (Gift of the Givers) as well as Dr Edward Sedibe (Institutional Director: Student Affairs and Sport)

The Matwala Children's Home in Vanderbijlpark also received a donation of R10 000. Pictured with the students are Mrs Elizabeth Twala and Mrs Queen Diamond (Matwala Children’s Home) and Dr Edward Sedibe (Institutional Director: Student Affairs and Sport)

Published by: Pertunia Thulo
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