Among those recognised at the CEAD student volunteer ceremony was Sthandwasethu Mampuru, a second-year Accounting Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) student whose commitment to community upliftment has seen her take part in numerous outreach and campus initiatives since the beginning of 2025, and who was named ‘Volunteer of the Year’. Reflecting on her motivation to get involved, Mampuru said she was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to society. “I joined the volunteering programme because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, and to be of service to others,” she said. “Through student volunteerism, I have learnt humility and selflessness in service of others.”
Over the course of her volunteering journey, Mampuru has been involved in a wide range of programmes, including outreach at the Denis Hurley Centre, the Scholarship of Engagement Conference, Substance Abuse Awareness Day, MUT Sports Day and the MUT Reading Competition. She also took part in the State of the Province Address (SOPA) Debate, where she was interviewed on MUT Radio to share her views.
The Volunteer of the Year award served as a platform to inspire others to get involved in community development. “My achievements at CEAD highlight my dedication and commitment to making a difference for not just my peers, but for all that are watching me, so they too can take the brave first step on minding the gap in their communities,” Mampuru concluded.