After a brief delay, our Mandela Week kick-off event finally came to life on the 23rd of July at the iconic Graffiti Wall on the Hatfield Campus and it was well worth the wait. What began as a postponed moment turned into a powerful start to a week filled with purpose, creativity, and community spirit.

The centrepiece of the day was our mural painting activity, featuring the inspiring message: “Be the ‘I’ in give”. Students and staff came together to paint, reflect, and quite literally stand in the gap – becoming the ‘I’ in a message that calls us all to action.

The vibrant artwork now stands proudly as a visual reminder that change starts with us. Every person who stepped up to the wall reaffirmed their role as a catalyst for positive transformation. It was not just about paint, it was about passion, unity, and honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela through action.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us, and committed to giving – not only during Mandela Week, but every day. You have shown that hope is not just a feeling, but something we can build together, one brushstroke at a time. Let this be the spark that drives even more meaningful change in our community.

We have a full line-up of events planned for Mandela Week and so does our incredible subcouncil. From donation drives and sandwich-making to home visits and more, there are countless ways to get involved and give back. We encourage you to participate where you can and make this week meaningful in your own way.

To see the full list of activities and how you can be part of the impact, check out our social media pages.

Here’s to being the 'I' in give.