Unisa Press and UWF book donation drive for Mandela Day

Through its Chair, Professor Meahabo Magano, the Unisa Women's Forum (UWF) annually invites Unisa members to undertake community work on Mandela Day, 18 July – honouring the spirit of the late Nelson Mandela. Since this year's theme for Mandela Day is "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are", Unisa Press collaborated with the UWF by donating books from its backlist of golden oldies.

From left: Prof Meahabo Magano, UWF Chairperson, Hetta Pieterse, UWF Exco member and Unisa Press Commissioning Manager, and Dr Matlala Makokotlela, UWF member donating books at Emthonjeni Youth Centre Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre

Magano identified the Baviaanspoort Prison Library as a suitable recipient for the donation. A formal handover was done with the prison staff and the learners from the correctional school. Over the years, Magano has worked with the prison on various community service projects like teaching basic computer skills and other short courses.

In the true spirit of Unisa, the UWF is careful not to supplant reflection on Mandela's legacy and values by narrowly focusing on volunteering and community service on Mandela Day only. Their projects and engagement with communities go beyond the day. Through its Community Engagement (CE) projects, the university actively develops strong relationships with communities for the improvement of life for community members while advancing and enhancing scholarship. Unisa Press is committed to partnering with the UWF to serve more communities in this regard. Unisa is not limited to celebrating just one day or 67 minutes; it strives to live up to the higher ideals, legacy and values that Madiba set for the world all year round.

*Information supplied by Hetta Pieterse, UWF Exco member, additional reporting by Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli, Acting Editor: Internal Publications, Department of Institutional Advancement

*Teaser, body, and thumb image sourced from Mandela Day website