​More than 5000 new Maties took part in Stellenbosch University's annual Social Impact morning on Thursday (26 January). 

Newcomers got the chance to meet and engage with the larger Stellenbosch community which they will form a part of for the duration of their studies. Residences and private student organisations (PSO), student societies and clusters participated in various activities throughout the morning.

Mutali Mukwevho, a HK member of Irene's Women's Residence, is particularly excited about the initiative she helped organise for Wimbledon Cluster. The new Maties spent the morning with the children of the workers of the residences that form part of Wimbledon Cluster. The project aims to strengthen the relationship between the newcomers and the workers' families.

"The workers often spend more time with us than with their own kids," said Mukwevho. "This is our small way of giving back. By spending time with the children, we will get to know the workers on a more personal level. The children of the workers are part of our community."

"It doesn't matter where you are from, make a difference where you are now," Mukwevho added, who hails from Limpopo. "This is my home now, and my community."

The project will continue throughout the year, where Maties will mentor and assist the workers' children with school work or any requirements to later gain access to University.

Other newcomers got their hands dirty by painting classrooms and buildings at the St Idas Primary School and at the Legacy Community Project in Kayamandi.

"This is a good way to get to know everyone else and also give something back," said Jean Pienaar, a Wilgenhof first year. "It's a very busy programme, we've been on our feet all day."

Monica Women's Residence, who worked alongside Wilgenhof to paint classrooms at St Idas Primary School on Thursday, has long been active in assisting the Ida's Valley community. Volunteers previously helped tutor the school's children, and have become involved in painting buildings and classrooms there since 2015.

"We want to keep the relationship going in Ida's Valley," said Mapule Ramere, HK of the Social Impact profile at Monica.  "We know they also want the tennis courts and preschool bathroom painted. It's very exciting to give a helping hand, I enjoy it a lot. You get to know the kids really well, and they're so cute!"

The other projects the new Maties tackled include making sandwiches for various community projects and schools, collecting and donating stationery to various crèches, picking up litter along the Eersterivier and helping out at the Wonder Plant spekboom tree nursery at Kayamandi High School.

Another highlight of the day was the UNASA (United Nations Association of South Africa) Student Organisation partnering with MCS and CANSA to organise a welcoming Shavathon. During the Shavathon, held in front of Simonsberg Men's Residence, Maties supported CANSA by shaving their hair or having it spray painted in bright colours, in exchange for a small donation.

According to Dr Antoinette Smith-Tolken (Acting Head: Division for Social Impact), the aim of the Social Impact morning is to introduce the new students to community development initiatives and to build on the culture of community engagement that exists at Stellenbosch University. 

"Social Impact creates hope and students are encouraged to get involved with Social Impact initiatives through their residences, PSOs, student association and faculty committees in order to provide them with a total learning experience. The Social Impact morning events will inspire many Maties to get involved and make a difference," says Ms Michelle Pietersen, Programme Manager at Matie Community Service (MCS).