Congratulations to the winners of the University Social Responsibility (USR) photographic competition! October marked USR Month at the University of Pretoria (UP) and was a time during which the University showcased its commitment to social responsibility through various activities and campaigns.

One such initiative was a photography competition that called upon students to submit an image that encapsulates a social responsibility project that they are involved in. Eight winners were selected, and each won UP Shop vouchers ranging from R100 to R1 500.

Thank you to all the participants who entered the competition. You showed that UP has a positive impact on people’s lives and proved once again that our students live THE UP WAY.

Well done to the eight winners whose submissions highlighted their commitment to community engagement.

1st prize: Sandile Siyabonga Bhengu

Bhengu’s winning image was taken at Hatfield studios and shows students making sandwiches to distribute to those in need.

2nd prize: Thule Mlandu

An outreach initiative by the Faculty of Veterinary Science in Rust de Winter Nature Reserve, Limpopo. Pictured here are students from the faculty who are using their skills in remote places where there are often unfavourable conditions to render primary healthcare to animals.

3rd prize: Khonzile Mabena

Students picking up litter near UP’s main campus entrance in Prospect Street. “It shows how much they care for their environment, by keeping it clean at all times,” Mabena says.

4th prize: Christine Nel

A community outreach programme at Thandanani Drop-in Centre in Mamelodi. “This picture tells the story of an outreach programme that goes beyond the walls of the Merensky Library to a group of underprivileged children in Mamelodi,” Nel says. “It shows how reading a story can fascinate children and allow their imagination to take them to another world.”

5th prize: Promise Mokhatla

Students from UP’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) tutoring learners in mathematics and programming at Makhosini Secondary School, Soshanguve. “This would not be possible without the JCP Module, which the faculty uses to give back to communities and demonstrate that these disciplines can change communities for the better,” Mokhatla explains. “South Africa has limited resources and scarce skills – the JCP Module bridges that gap in communities and offers hope for a brighter future for the next generation.”

6th prize: Mpumelelo Badis

Caring for canines at the Katlehong Dog Centre. “This image shows how much the University values the lives of these animals, thus maintaining their social responsibility,” Badis says.

7th prize: Singalakha Jentruman

Students planting mielies at Tuks Mopane Residence Garden, Hillcrest campus. “Different people from different backgrounds came together and shared their knowledge about planting,” Jentruman says. “This was a very social activity as we ploughed maize in groups and corrected one another on how to do it. UP has granted us an opportunity to explore certain things we never thought we had an interest in, like planting. It is our responsibility to take care of the mealies as some are donated to the homeless and those who have nothing to put on the table.”

8th prize: Promise Mokhatla

Mokhatla’s second prize-winning photo taken at Makhosini Secondary School in Soshanguve. “Through the JCP Module offered by the EBIT faculty, my group and I had the opportunity to tutor Grade 8 learners in mathematics and programming,” he explains. “We partnered with an NGO called Keep That Gold Shining. Each one of the learners in the picture has experienced the University’s commitment to social responsibility, and this has rejuvenated their hopes for a better future.”