UKZN Contributes to 67 Blankets for Mandela Day

UKZN Contributes to 67 Blankets for Mandela Day

UKZN staff and students have once again demonstrated their commitment to community service through their contributions to the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day initiative. This year, they crocheted more than 550 squares and 20 blankets to help keep the less fortunate warm this winter.

Some ambassadors celebrated Christmas in July with fellow “knitwits” at a handover gathering.

Sister Nozipho Jali, an Occupational Health Sister at the Medical School, shared her joy: ‘It was such a fulfilling process. Whatever chance I’d get, I would crochet. It was so fulfilling that we did something for the needy. It’s such a blessing to be a blessing to someone else.’

Third-year Medical student Ms Sthokozile Shangase said it was her first-time crocheting. ‘It was difficult at first, but once I got the hang of it, I really started to enjoy it. You’d find me crocheting everywhere. It’s both therapeutic and productive.’

Mrs Bonisiwe Khanyile, Medical School front desk administrator, was responsible for distributing the wool and collecting the squares. She is also supporting the College of Health Sciences educational psychologist and student counsellor, Ms Suzanne Stokes, who is inviting interested staff and students to participate in beanie making as well as a “Toys for Change Project”. Any knitted or crocheted toys will be distributed in partnership with Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei (DKMS) Africa to blood cancer patients and those with related disorders at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital before Christmas.

Third-year Medical student from the South African Medical Students Association (SAMSA) Ms Kiarra Naidoo, shared her enthusiasm: ‘I stayed up late, putting the squares together into blankets. I also involved my granny and eventually my whole family came together to assist.’

Treasurer of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (Hillcrest) expressed gratitude for the donations. The church caters to disadvantaged communities, in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, Molweni, and Mpumalanga. Blankets, beanies, and scarves will be donated to schools and crèches at food collection points.

Executive Director of the Corporate Relations Division, Ms Normah Zondo, praised the project’s impact, stating, ‘This year’s contributions from our UKZN family have been truly extraordinary. The dedication demonstrated by our staff and students is inspiring and commendable. Their ongoing efforts not only provide warmth to those in need but also fortify our community bonds. We are immensely proud of everyone’s commitment to making a difference. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder that through compassion and collective action, we can create a brighter and more hopeful future for all.’

Wool donations for the “Toys for Change Project” can be made through SAMSA or by contacting Ms Suzanne Stokes.

Words: Lunga Memela and Rakshika Sibran

Photographs: Lunga Memela