Stellenbosch University
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SU social impact activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Author: Corporate Communication and Office of the Senior Director: Social Impact and Transformation.
Published: 22/06/2020
Over the past two months, purposeful partnerships between Stellenbosch University (SU) and several others have brought relief to thousands of people experiencing need due to the national lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic. This time has been characterised by compassion to help people, and SU, through its Division for Social Impact, has reacted swiftly to adapt the institution's processes to continue making an impact on society. 

Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic is in line with our Vision 2040 and our aspiration of having an all-encompassing impact on the social, financial and environmental well-being of the town, region, country and continent. As a University, we are committed to South Africa and Africa. In order to inspire and be inspired, SU engages and collaborates with stakeholders, the communities we serve, industry, government and our university partners at a local, regional, continental and global level. Our collaboration and engagement approach is congruent with our values, with specific reference to respect, compassion and equity.

Our institution's integrated COVID-19 response, including the various social impact initiatives, is managed by the Institutional Committee for Business Continuity (ICBC). This document provides an overview of SU's social impact response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our social impact initiatives are managed by the Office of the Senior Director: Social Impact and Transformation.

Student volunteers
A group of 360 Matie students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences are working as volunteers at Tygerberg Hospital to assist in the battle against COVID-19. Seventy students are working in the hospital's triage area, 20 students are stationed at the entrance of the hospital and provide hand sanitiser to visitors, while 15 students are assisting in locating positive COVID-19 cases telephonically. Approximately 115 students are volunteering at the national COVID-19 helpline, and 70 students assist with day-to-day functions in hospital wards. Students are also collecting data and processing statistics for the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, while other data is being collected for the Division of Medical Virology. Click here to read more.

Mattress and blanket donations
Up to now 60 mattresses and 50 blankets were donated to the temporary shelter for the homeless that has been set up in the Van der Stel hall in Stellenbosch. The Municipal Department of Community Development provides meals daily, while the Municipal Department of Social Services and various Stellenbosch based NGOs provide additional assistance when needed. At the end of May, approximately 59 people were being housed at the shelter. The provision of temporary housing to homeless residents continues into the level 3 lockdown period.

Food parcels
We have supported several social impact initiatives that have been implemented by businesses, religious groups, NGOs and private organisations.
  • Stellenbosch University has partnered with the wider Stellenbosch community under the umbrella of #StellenboschUnite. Via this partnership, we are working on procuring and distributing minimum 2 500 food and provision parcels to vulnerable community members on a weekly basis.
  • The Office of the Vice Dean for Social Impact and Clinical Training at our Tygerberg Campus has supported a food voucher and grocery initiative that is run by the TygerMaties Cluster Office. Through this initiative, students have access to food vouchers or can purchase groceries through the University's suppliers.

MFM radio's essential communication to staff, students and the community

Our campus and community radio station, MFM is playing a pivotal role in facilitating SU's communication with the community, students and staff. The radio station broadcasts relevant information about health care, important contact numbers and lifestyle tips to control the coronavirus. MFM, which is licensed at the University, also broadcasts communication received from the national government, the Western Cape Health Department, SU and Stellenbosch Municipality to keep communities in and around Stellenbosch informed.

Campus Health Service support to the Stellenbosch Municipality
Our Campus Health Service (CHS) is providing the Stellenbosch Municipality with telephone screening services. Through this service, municipal employees have access to staff at the CHS, who screen them and provide referrals to local hospitals if COVID-19 testing is needed or advice on self-isolation.
 
The Daily Briefing document
Staff and students at our Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences are compiling a 'one-stop document' that will primarily provide critical care clinicians and public health experts with relevant COVID-19 information and clinical evidence. This information will aid medical staff in their treatment of patients and assist in the development of policies. The Daily Briefing comprises the latest global data, South African data and a range of articles of interest drawn from scientific publications.

Financial support to faculties
The Social Impact and Transformation Division has provided financial support to various initiatives related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding has been provided to the following faculties:

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences: The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) received R480 810 which is being used for the following initiatives:

  • Upgrading of the Orthopaedic Medical 3D Printing lab
    This project is a collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and the FMHS. The Orthopaedic Medical 3D Printing lab will be upgraded to facilitate the large-scale design and production of PPE and other consumables in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 1 500 3D visors have been produced in the lab. Click here to read more about the initiative.  
  • Prototype of intubation boxes
    Tests are currently taking place on a prototype intubation box. It is envisaged that these boxes will be used by ICU doctors managing COVID-19-postive patients who require ventilation. Depending on the outcome of the tests, production of the intubation box will be fast-tracked to enable speedy distribution to all the high-risk areas in Tygerberg Hospital.
  • Mask manufacturing project in Avian Park, Worcester
    We have implemented an upliftment programme in Avian Park, an impoverished community in Worcester. Many residents battle with food security and access to social grants. The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown has further contributed to the dire situation in the community. Through the programme community members are being empowered to manufacture, market and sell handmade masks.

  • Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health offers collaborative care in WorcesterThe Breede Valley sub-district is faced with a high burden of patients living in close quarters with limited access to resources. To assist patients, we are providing follow-up healthcare at their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • ​The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has received R129 800 that will be used for the following initiative: Virtual offering of the Certificate Programmes in Music Literacy: The Certificate Programmes in Music Literacy is the Music Department's largest Social Impact programme. Established in 2009, it provides formal music education to communities with no or little access to formal music training programmes. Thanks to the funding support, the course can continue and will allow students who are preparing for the 2021 entrance exams to attend online classes and have access to mentorship programmes. Click here to read more about the programme.

SU Relief Fund
We have established the #COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist within five priority areas: Digital Access for SU Students, #Move4Food; Support for SU Healthcare Workers; Research & Innovation Response; #StellenboschUnite. Click here to read more about the fundraising initiative.

Establishing new networks and strengthen existing collaborations
During this period an extensive network of collaboration developed between SU and stakeholders such as aid action groups, disaster management units, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local and provincial governments, tradesmen, businesses, hospitals, religious groups and non-profitable organisations. We are also a member of the Joint Operational Committee (JOC) of Stellenbosch Municipality and the provincial government, comprising of various public and private stakeholders in the areas of health, security and disaster manager.