The UP Social Responsibility Programme is a vital link between students and their community. It a great opportunity for students to learn in a real environment and contribute to social equity.

The Daspoort Clinic in Pretoria continues to make a difference in the community. It started in 1964 as a University of Pretoria (UP) Student Initiative with the purpose of supporting the local community. Medical students gain practical work experience there.

Students provide free medical care to the communities as part of their coursework.

'We have established a platform for all the disciplines in the Department of Health Sciences to be able to do community service. This is very important to the UP community. The students are basically learning what is actually happening in a medical practice outside in the community,' said Dr Gerhard Botha, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Family Medicine.

Views from senior medical students:

Refilwe Mmotla:

'I chose to study medicine because I want to make a difference in my community. I grew up in a small community. There used to be long queues at the hospitals and clinics. I then realised that there is actually  a need for more doctors.'

The practical work we do makes a difference to the community. It gives us real-life exposure. We get to interact with patients apart from what we read about. We get to understand diseases more and the most important part is managing ill people.

Studying medicine built my communications skills. I can empathise and sympathise with people. I can deal with different people. The experiences we gather from the people we work with every day help us to grow. We are able to teach the community how to take care of their health. We give people skills that empower them.'

Sanishan Govender:

'The books do give us enough directions and we take it into practice. This is a huge step in our career because it will help to build the future and make a difference in the community.'

Jacques Stones:

'I am glad to be studying at the University of Pretoria. We are exposed to practical work from our first year and that is what makes South African doctors so highly sought after in other countries.'

Lee-Anne Classen:

'I have learnt that South Africa is a diverse country. I have learnt to see people differently. I have opened my eyes and seen the challenges that the people face and I am prepared to make the changes that are necessary. I am ready to make a difference in the community.'

Overall, healthcare in South Africa varies from primary to that which is highly specialised and is available in both the private and public sector. The public sector is stretched and under-resourced, while such programmes like those at UP make a huge difference in the community.

The Daspoort clinic aims to involve more disciplines and faculties of the University of Pretoria by establishing an interdisciplinary, interfaculty learning facility. Furthermore, it aims to get involved with more community and schools projects and networks.