6 000 Maties leading change
Stellenbosch University (SU) hosted its Social Impact Community Morning last week, as part of the official Welcoming Week programme for over 6 000 new Matie students.
This initiative, organised by the Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation (CASIT), offers a hands-on opportunity for first-year students to develop engaged citizenship skills and contribute meaningfully to community-centred initiatives around the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses.
During this event, students took part in a variety of activities linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This included beach and river cleanups, stationery drives, meal packing, and facilitating educational activities for young children.
By applying their academic knowledge to real-world community challenges, students could learn how to address social issues, support sustainable initiatives, and contribute to social transformation.
The Social Impact Community Morning served as an introduction to engaged citizenship where students would:
* Understand the power of community-driven solutions to address complex social challenges.
* Learn how their contributions can make a tangible difference in society.
* Explore collaboration between students, local organisations, and SU to create positive social impact.
* Gain practical insights into how the SDGs can be achieved in local communities.
The event highlights SU’s commitment to bridging academic knowledge with practical action, equipping students to become active contributors to building a sustainable and inclusive future.