In the spirit of the Nelson Mandela Month, a transformative collaboration has been launched between MUT and the Committee for South African Solidarity (COSAS), an all-volunteer, independent US-based organisation founded in 1993, dedicated to supporting post-apartheid development in South Africa. United by a shared commitment to social change, both MUT and COSAS have come together to launch the “Volunteer Development Programme for MUT, a movement dedicated to inspiring young people to embrace volunteerism as a pathway to community empowerment and personal growth. Rooted in Mandela’s legacy of giving, the programme reflects the globally recognised call to action: “67 minutes of service”. “One minute for every year Madiba dedicated to fighting for social justice”, said Dr Mfanozelwe Shozi, Deputy Director at CEAD. “The aim is to make every student become a volunteer. After Professor Sibiya’s engagement in the US, we made commitments to follow through with relevant departments, and our Community Engagement Directorate (CEAD) has embraced this collaboration”, said Mbali Mkhize, Senior Director: Marketing and Communications.
Upon hearing of advancements with this project, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, MUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said, “It warms my heart to see projects being followed through while there is still some momentum. Volunteerism is an act of selflessness and enables you to be at peace with yourself for giving to others.” This initiative is more than a campaign. It is a movement of giving, healing, and transforming. As Mandela once said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others. I am excited that the delegation I led has followed up on my vision to internationalise not only MUT but also Umlazi Township.”
Through this partnership, MUT and COSAS are not only keeping that legacy alive; they are giving students the tools to live it, one volunteer at a time.