In commemoration of Mandela Day, and as part of the national 67 Minutes for Mandela initiative, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation and her team conducted an outreach visit to Dr Van der Ross Primary School in Belhar.

The school is named in honour of Professor Richard Ernest van der Ross, a pioneering figure in South African education and the first person of colour to serve as Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

His legacy of academic excellence, resilience and social justice continues to shape the University’s identity and commitment to community engagement.

During the visit, Prof Josè Frantz, UWC’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, addressed the Grade 7 learners with a message of inspiration and encouragement. 

Sharing her journey from growing up in District Six to becoming one of UWC’s senior leaders, Prof Frantz highlighted the transformative power of education and the importance of holding on to one’s aspirations in the face of adversity.

“As a young girl in District Six, I could never have imagined becoming a university leader,” said Prof Frantz.

“But with perseverance, support and belief in the power of education, it is possible to rise above one’s circumstances and achieve more than one thought possible.”

As part of the outreach, the team distributed stationery packs to the learners, bringing joy to many young faces and reinforcing the University’s commitment to supporting foundational education and access to learning resources.

This initiative reflects UWC’s strategic aim of “Making Research Count” by fostering meaningful connections between knowledge production and community development. Through such efforts, the Office of the DVC: Research and Innovation promotes engagement, empowerment and a culture of possibility.

When the stationery bags were handed over, one of the learners excitedly responded:  “Now I can finally do my work because I did not have any stationery to complete my tasks in class, thank you for this.”