Five students, Mr Lungisani Ngcobo, Mr Sandile Mnyandu, Mr Philani Lloyd Shezi, Ms Phakamile Mazibuko and Mr Samkelo Mhlophe together with Community Engagement Academic Leader Dr Angela James were invited by Professor Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni, Director of the Institute for Rural Development and Community Engagement at MUT to present their work.  Each shared their views on volunteering on and off campus, including what motivated them to become volunteers and their challenges and successes.

Third-year student, Shezi said, ‘Nothing makes me as happy as seeing other people happy because of the work that I have done for the community. People might take volunteerism lightly but the exposure and growth that comes with it, is priceless.’ Mazibuko highlighted the challenges, including the fact that, ‘few students participate in community engagement projects’. She noted that students who volunteer can still achieve excellent academic results.

Nkonki-Mandleni expressed interest in future collaboration between MUT and UKZN, noting that, ‘We can work on finding strategies to encourage students to engage in community projects.’