Project Sangena ... it's about relationships

SRC's Rowan Sampson chats to matrics in Mount Ayliff during Project Sangena 

Are there any questions? Does anyone want to know more? Dozens upon dozens of hands shoot into the cold Transkei morning air. The response from the hundreds of learners is overwhelming.

Not so in another school hall far away. The same information is shared but the feedback is subdued – just a brave hand here and there.

The difference?

Age and approach.

A visit to rural Eastern Cape by a dedicated team of Student Representative Council members to share the benefits of studying at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University with prospective students highlights the importance of the messenger and how the message is packaged.

Project Sangena is a perfect case in point.

This marketing initiative empowers young, vibrant committed students from NMMU to share a story of hope with learners from mainly disadvantaged backgrounds.

SRC president Luzuko Ntshongwana shares with learners from Gugwini Junior Secondary School 

The NMMU team – eight SRC members – each speaks isiXhosa, appreciates the challenges of the youngsters and is personally committed to their university.

In short, they understand and relate to their audience. It is something the middle-age woman in the school hall had not been able to do.

During the winter recess, these young university ambassadors visited five districts in former Transkei making contact with hundreds upon hundreds of learners, mainly at exhibitions, during presentations to them about NMMU. (They visited the districts of Comfimvaba, Qumbu and Tsolo, Mount Frere and Mount Ayliff, Lusikisili and Libode and Port St Johns).

“The response was overwhelming. We ran out of application forms and interest cards,” enthuses SRC Sport Officer Siphile Hlwatika.

The smartly-attired team, led by SRC President Luzuko Ntshongwana, was humbled too.

Many of the learners had only basic facilities and yet, amidst the poverty and apathy, gems emerged.

“There was one learner with 90s for maths and science who had no idea how she was going to study further. I am hoping our visit changed that and she will join us,” says Hlwatika.

Project Sangena is sponsored by NMMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz who appreciates the importance of sharing the university’s message of hope, particularly with those who are marginalized geographically, technologically and by the poverty of their circumstances.

Similarly, NMMU’s small student recruitment team appreciates that it cannot market NMMU alone. Instead, it embraces the willingness of the SRC team to reach new learners and happily trains and empowers them with knowledge of the 450 programmes and other opportunities offered by NMMU.

It’s a joint effort.

Yes, it’s all about relationships.

Well done to Mr Ntshongwana and his team for taking responsibility and flying the Madibaz flag throughout Transkei.

NMMU's SRC with learners from the Lusikisiki District 

SRC Sport Office Siphile Hlwatika interacts with learners during Project Sangena

NMMU's SRC (from left) Gcobisa Magalela, Siviwe Mpinga, Siyamdumisa, Luzuko Ntshongwana and Siphile Hlwatika with Ms N P Koto of the Department of Education