Students put others first

TO honour the spirit of the late Tata Madiba, the IIE Varsity College Pietermaritzburg campus joined thousands of South Africans across the country in engaging in social responsibility projects.

The campus partnered with Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home, South African National Blood Services (SANBS), Project Gateway and the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation for a day filled with excitement and a sense of giving.

Public Relations Officer of the Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home Sinethemba Mzobe said: “On behalf of PCH, I would like to send a huge thank you to the IIE Varsity College Pietermaritzburg campus for their outstanding support, not just for Mandela Day but for adopting the home, along with its children, as their own. Words fail me at times, but we really appreciate everything you do. The smiles on our children’s faces speak volumes.”

The morning started bright and early at 7 am with Varsity College volunteers standing at intersections “so children don’t have to”, raising a total of R4 000 for the Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home.

The volunteers then took to the gardens, splitting into teams to tackle the cultivation process at Project Gateway and CHOC house, with both teams returning to campus with newly acquired green fingers, and the potential for great foods to grow at each garden.

Finally, SANBS drives were held throughout the day on campus, attracting good samaritans as well as those looking to do their part for Mandela Day.

With the red SANBS tents never being empty on the day, it was evident that even those who stayed on campus did their part.

Mandela Day is all about serving others rather than self, and the IIE Varsity College Pietermaritzburg campus did just that this Mandela Day 2018.