Relationships are built on trust, and at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Damaris Kiewiets builds that trust with the most vulnerable who need assistance.

During July, Mandela Month, acts of kindness and charity stretch beyond 67 Minutes for many at UWC. As a Community Liaison Officer at UWC, Kiewiets works daily to assist families and children, and during Mandela Month, that is no different.

At the start of the month, she was in Montague in the Western Cape for Project Winter Hope.  “We arranged for a dignity table, and that's where I collected clothing, pre-loved things, and so on. So families can come, and they can collect two items of what they need, and then the third item is what they pay for,” said Kiewiets. 

On Mandela Day this year, Kiewiets was one of the interviewees when Bush Radio broadcast live from UWC. She shared her many teachings and learnings of how UWC has assisted communities. She reflected on her journey as a Community Liason Officer and how the University has affected positive change in countless areas.

She is always greeted warmly when she drives into certain towns and suburbs. “Kids know the vehicle. Even the children living on the streets know the vehicle. For instance, they know the van because I did food security during COVID. When we drive into Touws River, the kids scream: ‘Miss, did you bring us something to eat?’ ” said Kiewiets.

 

Sadly, many residents see Kiewiets and UWC as lifelines. 

“I think what I've learned this year is that more and more children actually go hungry the last week before SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) grants are paid because most of the people we feed are children. So for me, the reality is that we have more and more families that don't have a meal the week before SASSA is paid,” said Kiewiets.

On Mandela Day, the University of the Western Cape hosted Bush Radio from 6am to 6pm as they highlighted the research and innovation that’s making a difference in South Africa and Africa. All proceeds raised went to the UWC Legacy Fund