On 7 February 2025 from 09:00 to 12:00, over 6 000 new Matie students will participate in the Stellenbosch University (SU) Social Impact Community Morning as part of the official Welcoming Week programme for newcomers. Hosted by the Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation (CASIT), the initiative offers students a hands-on opportunity to develop into engaged citizens by using their academic knowledge to contribute to the activities of various organisations and community partners around SU's Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses.
Engaged citizenship refers to individuals' action-orientated, conscious and impactful involvement in the social, economic and political spheres of society. It highlights the importance of contributing to community-centred initiatives, and in the context of higher education, it emphasises institutions' collective responsibility to help shape sustainable futures.
The SU Social Impact Community Morning introduces newcomer first-years to the concept of engaged citizenship and provides a platform for them to form reciprocal relationships with the local communities surrounding the University. By taking part in this event, students will better understand how their skills can be applied to address real-world challenges, including those relating to the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
CASIT, in partnership with the Student Affairs Division's Centre for Student Life and Learning, has been collaborating with student leaders to establish a robust framework for engaged citizenship throughout 2025. Students will be equipped to lead sustainable initiatives that contribute to social transformation and impact for the benefit of local communities and organisations.
During the Social Impact Community Morning, students on both Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campus will engage in a diverse range of activities linked to the SDGs, including beach and river cleanups, stationery drives, meal packing, and educational activities for young children. All of the initiatives align with SU's commitment to bridge academic knowledge with practical action, providing students with a transformative experience that will shape their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
Students will walk away from the Social Impact Community Morning with a deeper understanding of:
- the power of community-driven solutions to tackle complex social issues;
- how their individual contributions can make a tangible difference in society;
- the importance of collaboration between students, local organisations and SU;
- practical ways in which the SDGs can be achieved in local communities; and
- the role of engaged citizenship in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future.
For more information, contact senior programme manager Michelle Pietersen at mpieters@sun.ac.za.