News

The Engagement Office, in collaboration with the Northern Areas Alumni Network, recently hosted Grade 8 learners from selected schools in the Northern Areas of the Metro at Nelson Mandela University’s Science Dome on the Ocean Sciences Campus.
Nelson Mandela University, through the Hubs of Convergence, is proud to announce Mandela Week 2026, which will be commemorated from 14 to 17 July 2026 under the theme: “Taking a Stand Against GBV, Substance Abuse and Poverty – Building Unity Through Action.”
Bridging the gap between secondary and tertiary education, Mandela University’s Hubs of Convergence recently provided 30 Grade 11 learners from Westville High School with first-hand exposure to a variety of career pathways, while showcasing the diverse opportunities available at the University.

Nelson Mandela University’s Hubs of Convergence, under the Engagement Office, collaborated with the Zwide Development Forum (ZDF) to deliver a four-day Mandela Week programme this year.

Community leaders, practitioners and civil society organisation representatives from Gqeberha and Kariega recently celebrated the completion of the recent THRV Short Learning Programme.

The University's Engagement Office recently conducted a week of strategic engagement and capacity development at Free State University to strengthen the growing national collaboration of The Hope Revolution Vision (THRV) to address substance abuse through community-engaged scholarship.
In honour of Mandela Week 2025, Nelson Mandela University demonstrated the transformative power of engagement through a three-day programme in the communities of Gelvandale and Helenvale.
Stakeholders from across Mandela University recently reflected on institutional engagement, strengthening collaboration, and aligning engagement work with the University’s strategic priorities.
Mandela University’s Engagement Office, through the Hubs of Convergence (HoC), recently engaged with the Zwide Development Forum (ZDF), strengthening strategic partnerships and ensuring continuity in community-based initiatives.
Mandela University’s Hubs of Convergence team, led by the Engagement Office, recently visited Westville High School to assist some 50 Grade 12 learners with their 2027 applications to the University.
Mandela University’s Engagement Office recently met with members of the Northern Areas Alumni Network and Grade 8 educators regarding the growing concern about the transition of learners from primary to high school.  
Nelson Mandela University’s DVC: Engagement and Transformation, Prof André Keet, as well as the Engagement Office, recently presented at Rhodes University’s International Community Engagement Conference in Makhanda.

Mandela University’s Engagement Office was invited to participate in a national working committee meeting on sustainable waste management hosted by the Asivikelane initiative in Cape Town.

Nelson Mandela University’s Medicinal Garden hosted its second annual Autumn Plant and Prune event this April at Missionvale Campus, bringing together University staff and community stakeholders in a collaborative effort to maintain and expand the garden.
Nelson Mandela University recently hosted a two-day workshop focused on reflecting and planning of its NFRF Multilateral Grant, International Relational Accountability of Mother Earth: Revitalising and Restoring the Land and Water.
Academic excellence is incomplete without inner alignment, healing and a clear sense of purpose.

Mandela University’s Engagement Office recently convened a collaborative planning session to initiate a partnership with Ma Cynthia Mpati, an elder knowledge holder from rural eHlanzeni, near Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal.

Mandela University stakeholders, community structures and traditional healers recently attended a Medicinal Gardening Workshop to explore areas of collaboration and discuss ways to combine existing medicinal gardening practices with scientific research.

Dr Bruce Damons, Director in Mandela University’s Engagement Office and Rev. Jacobus Nomdoe of The Hope Revolution Vision (THRV) recently presented the Mandela University THRV Short Learning Programme (SLP) to national partners.

Nelson Mandela University hosted senior global internal audit leaders from the International Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), including it chief executive officer, Anthony Pugliese.

Nelson Mandela University’s Engagement Office recently hosted the Knowledge for Change (K4C) programme, an international network advancing community-based participatory research and knowledge democracy.

Nelson Mandela University, through its Engagement Office, will host the Knowledge for Change (K4C) South African Residency from 25 January to 5 February 2026, welcoming international and national participants from the global K4C network.