Four-ball team Ettienne Gerwel (S4), Bruce Damons, Director of the Engagement Office, Karl du Preez from Mechanical Engineering and Gregory Bennet (S4).
The Hostel of Hope project is part of the Engagement Office’s ongoing efforts to enhance the University's engagement with the community, specifically in the under-resourced area of Helenvale in Gqeberha.
The hostel is a marginalised community facing severe crime and poverty and other numerous challenges, including dilapidated facilities and food insecurity. The Engagement Office has been collaborating with the Community Chest and other stakeholders on rejuvenating the hostel, creating spaces of hope for learners and the broader community.
Back from left Jaco Snyders, Selwyn Willis of the Community Chest, Bruce Damons, Gary Richards and Grant Phillips and front Pieter Botha and Gideon Smith, S4's Marketing Manager
University Staff Golf Club four-ball team, from left, President Jaco Snyders from Industrial Engineering, Pieter Botha from Communication and Marketing, Grant Phillips from Electrical Engineering and Gary Richards from the Law Faculty.
Hosted by DG Capital and supported by S4, Standard Bank, Rubicon Industrial Automation, FESTO, and SICK Sensor Intelligence, the event successfully raised R260 000 00.
The networking opportunities at the event also led to an invitation from S4 for University stakeholders to visit their organisation, exploring future collaboration prospects. This initiative aligns with the Engagement Office's commitment to youth employability, offering interns and students the chance to connect with potential employers within the Metro.
From left Leshilo Putsheji, Ntombovuyo Linda and Andiswa Landingwe from the Engagement Office.
Management Practice student Lesjilo Pushetji, who leads the Student Hubs of Convergence, exemplifies this mission.
Plans are also underway to profile a notable local golfer, Mzuyanda Zingela who was denied the opportunity to pursue professional golf due to apartheid.
The Engagement Office is collaborating with the Port Elizabeth Golf Club to involve Mr Zingela in coaching students and staff at the University, as part of Hub 7 of the Hubs of Convergence, which focuses on Sports, Arts, Heritage, and Culture.