​​Less privileged schools in the Stellenbosch area recently were on the receiving end of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences' (EMS) generosity when they were awarded donations consisting of sanitary pads, toiletries and stationery.

The schools – Ikaya Primary School in Kayamandi, Weber Gedenk Primary School in Jamestown, Bruckner De Villiers Primary School in Idas Valley, Youth Outreach Stellenbosch, and Dorothea Special School in Cloetesville – received the donations as part of the faculty's contribution to Mandela Day and Month.

The initiative, which started at the end of June and concluded in early August, involved the collection of sanitary pads, toiletries and stationery from EMS staff, students and the wider university community.

This call to action is in line with the Mandela Day goals of providing quality education for all children, reducing hunger, providing safe shelter for families and sanitation in every school and community, and dedicating more resources to supporting poverty eradication.

The initiative was spearheaded on behalf of the Faculty by Prof Pregala Solosh Pillay, Vice-Dean: Social Impact and Transformation. The other team members included Reginald Kgwedi and Kurt Marais, both lecturers at the Department of Logistics; Jennifer Saunders, School of Public Leadership; Ursula Wanza, Department of Economics; and Mokgesang Ramaisa, member of the faculty's student committee responsible for social impact. Mrs Lesinda Daniels of the Dean's Office also contributed to the successful implementation of the project.

Said Pillay, “We understand the vision and significance of Mandela Day, and EMS strives to emulate this ethos by providing our support to uplift under-resourced communities. This is our first social impact initiative and we are hopeful to build it into a sustainable project. We are committed to making a difference and bringing positive changes to those in need."

In the spirit of selfless service, Pillay thanked everyone for their contributions and goodwill.

Ikaya Primary School's principal Mr Thulani Nofemele expressed his appreciation for the sanitary pads which the school received from the faculty. 

 “The faculty is helping us a lot because our learners are from the poorest communities and do not have the money to buy these sanitary pads, and sometimes have to ask teachers to help them. I hope that it is not a once-off and that the faculty will continue supplying us in the future," he said.

• ​Photo by Daniel Bugan: At the handing over of sanitary pads to staff and learners at Ikaya Primary School in Kayamandi, were (f.l.t.r.) EMS lecturer Kurt Marais; Ikaya principal Mr Thulani Nofemele; EMS Vice-Dean of Social Impact and Transformation, Prof Solosh Pillay; Ikaya science teacher Ms Tuswa Kutezwa; EMS lecturer Reginald Kgwedi; and a representative of the EMS Student Committee, Mokgeseng Ramaisa.