The University of Limpopo (UL) marked Nelson Mandela Day by taking staff and students into communities across Limpopo to serve those most in need
Staff Reporters – ulpublications@ul.ac.za
Guided by the call to dedicate 67 minutes to helping others, the University of Limpopo (UL) undertook activities that promoted environmental responsibility, supported vulnerable groups and strengthened community well-being.
Geography Department champions environmental responsibility
“Gate 2 Glow-Up: 67 Minutes for Clean Spaces and Human Dignity” was the theme of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies’ clean-up campaign, aimed at improving the cleanliness of the University’s Gate 2 precinct and its surrounding areas. Photos: Monyelegwete Malatji
The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies in the School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (SAES) marked Nelson Mandela Day with a clean-up campaign aimed at promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.
Held under the theme “Gate 2 Glow-Up: 67 Minutes for Clean Spaces & Human Dignity”, the campaign focused on the clean-up campaign of the area around the University’s Gate 2, bringing together staff, students, Sovenga YouthMappers and community stakeholders.
The initiative formed part of the global Mandela Day campaign, which encourages people to dedicate time to projects that benefit their communities.
According to Izelque Botha from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, environmental stewardship begins with collective action.
“We celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, whose commitment to service continues to inspire people across the world. Mandela Day reminds us that each of us can make a positive difference through acts of service, no matter how small. As part of doing our bit to mark this important day of the prolific statesman, we cleaned the area around Gate 2 and encouraged people who use the space to help keep it clean.”
Bringing comfort to the elderly at Kwelano Bohloko Old Age and Disability Centre
Elderly residents of the Kwelano Bohloko Old Age and Disability Centre sing and celebrate with University of Limpopo staff during a Mandela Day visit filled with activities that brought joy and companionship. Photos: Mohau Seleka
The University also visited the Kwelano Bohloko Old Age and Disability Centre in Mankweng-Tlhahlaganya, where staff spent time with elderly residents and people living with disabilities.
The event honoured the late founder, Jane Rabodiba, whose vision of caring for vulnerable people continues through the work of the centre. Following her passing in December 2025, Ignatius Mogale took over the centre’s leadership to continue the work of caring for others.
Established in 2009, the centre provides daily care to approximately 33 elderly beneficiaries, offering activities such as beadwork, crocheting and recreational programmes that support their physical, emotional and social well-being.
Speaking during the event, Mogale described the centre as more than a care facility.
“It has become a second home for many elderly people and individuals living with disabilities. Had it not been for the existence of this centre, these people would have nowhere to turn to for support and companionship. We extend our sincere gratitude to UL for always thinking about us during Nelson Mandela Day and every time we need their help.”
University staff shared meals and spent time with residents, upholding the spirit of Mandela Day through simple acts of care and companionship.
Supporting vulnerable families in Ga-Makanye
Happy faces at the Itumeleng Community Nutrition and Development Centre in Ga-Makanye as the University of Limpopo’s CSCD donated perishable and non-perishable food items to the centre. Photos: Thabiseng Ngobeni
The University’s Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) marked Mandela Day with a donation drive for the Itumeleng Community Nutrition and Development Centre in Ga-Makanye Village.
In line with the 2026 Mandela Day theme, “It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”, the University community donated clothing, toiletries, stationery, blankets and perishable and non-perishable food items.
According to Anna Mabina, a psychologist at CSCD, the donation was intended to encourage kindness and support for vulnerable members of the community.
“We chose this centre as a beneficiary because it is one of the doorstep communities adjacent to the University and because Mandela Day reminds us to show kindness to others. We hope these donations will bring smiles to the faces of vulnerable people in Ga-Makanye and encourage everyone to care for those in need.”
Student Registered Counsellors and Peer Counsellors also provided psychosocial support to beneficiaries during the visit.
Promoting mental health and disability inclusion
The Department of Nursing Sciences brought together healthcare professionals, academics, students and community members to raise awareness of mental health, disability inclusion, access to healthcare services and the importance of healthy eating, while supporting learners living with disabilities.Photos: Desmond
At the Moletji Centre, the Department of Nursing Science joined by the Departments of Optometry and Dietetics, together with the Green Biotechnologies Research Centre of Excellence, to host a Mental Health Community Engagement Programme.
Supported by traditional leaders and Disabled People South Africa (DPSA), the programme was held under the theme “My Mental Health and Physical Challenges Cannot Be an Obstacle to My Success”.
Healthcare professionals, academics, students and community members came together to raise awareness on mental health, disability inclusion and access to healthcare services while supporting learners living with disabilities.
Dr Mathapo Thobakgale, Clinical Skills Laboratory Coordinator in the Department of Nursing Science at UL, said the outreach also formed part of students’ practical training.
“One of our learning outcomes is to prepare students to provide quality healthcare to children living with intellectual and physical disabilities. Community engagement allows them to apply what they learn in class to real world scenarios by interacting directly with the children and understanding their healthcare needs. This experience prepares them to provide appropriate care when they enter the profession.”
The Green Biotechnologies Research Centre of Excellence also donated food and other essentials to the community.
Closing the programme, His Majesty Kgoshi Kgabo Moloto III, thanked the University and its partners for supporting the community.
“On behalf of our community, I extend my sincere gratitude to the University of Limpopo, its partners, healthcare professionals, students and everyone who dedicated their time to serving our people. Your contribution reflects the true spirit of Ubuntu and that of Nelson Mandela’s legacy of selfless service.”