“The mere fact that certain people are not able to have clothes on their backs is a violation on their human dignity.”
This is according to Ornila Serage (21), outreach coordinator of Amnesty International Stellenbosch (AIS), who has helped launch a clothing drive for the homeless people of Stellenbosch. Serage, a BA Humanities student at Stellenbosch University (SU), says by using her portfolio as a bridge between the university and nearby communities, she hopes to “convey a notion of solidarity and servitude on campus”.
“It is easy to talk about human rights and why we need to protect them, but one cannot possibly conceive that thought if they are vagrant and cold in the most physical sense,” she explains.
Residents of Harmonie Women’s Residence Jessica Louw (19), a BA Social Dynamics student, and Amnesty International Stellenbosch chairperson, Vuyokazi Hlwatika (20), celebrate the donations they received. PHOTO: Arleen Stone
According to another member of the AIS executive committee Xola Njengele (19), a BA International Studies student at SU and resident of Simonsberg men’s residence, they also aim to make people realise the inequality privilege in the community and to “awaken a spirit of servitude amongst students”.
He says they have already received support from several residences and students on campus.
“The [donation] boxes are close to full. I have even emptied them to enable other people to fill them up again.”
One of Harmonie’s residents Jaime Kleinsmith (19), a first year accounting student, says she decided to donate clothing after she realised that someone else would need it much more than she would.
AIS chairperson, Vuyokazi Hlwatika (20), BA International studies student and resident of Harmonie Women’s Residence, says even though they might not be able to fulfil all the homeless’ needs, at least they can provide them with comfort in the form of warm clothes.
Marked donation boxes can be found at Harmonie, Simonsberg and house number eight of the LLL-village. PHOTO: Arleen Stone
Drop-off points on campus are centrally located at Harmonie, Simonsberg and house number eight of the LLL-village. Donations of warm clothing, blankets, socks, and shoes, as well as any peripheral items can be made until Friday, 11 May. Serage says they plan to donate the clothes to the Stellenbosch night shelter by this weekend or early next week.
“So, as long as the contributions are genuine and meaningful, any amount suffices,” says Serage.