Nelson Mandela Day Outreach

The Wits Students' Surgical Society enjoyed yet another fulfilling day of honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela. As part of the society's annual contribution to Nelson Mandela Day's 67 minutes of service, two initiatives were run concurrently on the 18th of July. Both with one intention in mind: to provide meaningful support and help better the environment with which we are so familiar.

The first initiative was a sandwich drive. Organised in collaboration with two generous partners:

Blue Ribbon, who donated 170 loaves of bread and Pick n Pay, who provided a monetary sponsorship used to purchase peanut butter, jam, sandwich bags, and other supplies for the day. The committee members rolled up their sleeves, got to work, and made an impressive 1,700 sandwiches. These were packaged and donated to several local organisations, including:

•   Sunshine Association - Home For Children With Disabilities

•   Trinity House Catholic Church & St Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen

•   Sisters of Mercy Immaculata Shelter

•   Princess Alice Adoption and Orphanage Home

The interactions with the organisations were fun, meaningful, and added beautifully to the communal spirit of the day.

While half the committee dedicated their time to preparing and delivering sandwiches, the other half turned their attention to the society's second initiative of the day. A roadside clean-up along York Road, the main thoroughfare connecting Wits Health Sciences Campus, Wits Education campus, and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Passing students and Wits staff members joined in to lend a hand, turning the clean-up into a shared effort marked by teamwork, conversation, and a stellar effort.

The day was a true reflection of dedication and service, with the entire committee and a handful of members from the subcommittee coming together to give their time and energy to a greater purpose. Beyond the tangible impact of the two initiatives, the event was filled with laughter, music, meaningful interactions, and strengthened bonds within the committee.

"A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of."

Nelson Mandela.

Inspired by Nelson Mandela's sentiment, the Wits Students' Surgical Society seeks to embody the spirit of compassion and service, proving that we do not have to confine ourselves to a cold operating room or wait until we are qualified to save lives before making a meaningful difference in our communities. With gloves on, aprons tied, and knives in hand, no patients were in sight. Instead, medical students took to the streets and brought warmth and care to their community, one sandwich pack and rubbish bag at a time.