Members of a Stellenbosch University (SU) student committee were recently able to donate over 50 lab coats to disadvantaged medical and Bachelor of Science (BSc) students. This was according to Tshilidzi Radzilani, the organiser of the Lab Coat Drive.
The lab coats were collected through a Lab Coat Drive by the Natural Science Student Committee (NSC) on 17 February, said Radzilani.
Tshilidzi Radzilani (left), in charge of the Lab Coat Drive, and Bruce Makhe (right), Natural Science Student Committee treasurer, with some of the lab coats that had been collected through the Lab Coat Drive. PHOTO: Michelle Grobbelaar
The aim of the drive was to assist students with disadvantaged backgrounds, stated Radzilani. Students from all year groups were assisted.
“The lab coats are expensive for students from less fortunate families,” said Faith Mothoa, a beneficiary of the drive.
Lab coat prices “range from R281.90 to R395.90, depending on size”, stated Emma Linders, stock controller at the on-campus Local Choice Pharmacy.
“The people who can afford it, already have them. The people who can’t, don’t have them,” said Radzilani when asked how students in need were identified.
The Natural Science Student Committee at Stellenbosch University managed to collect 53 lab coats to donate to less fortunate students who would need coats to work in laboratories as part of their studies, said Tshilidzi Radzilani, organiser of the Lab Coat Drive. PHOTO: Michelle Grobbelaar
Dressed for success
Various SU science departments contributed to the drive, with a total of 50 lab coats donated, said Randzilani. The remaining three were donated by Local Choice Pharmacy, according to Heinrike le Roux, pharmacy manager.
The on-campus Local Choice Pharmacy donated three lab coats to the recent Lab Coat Drive, according to Heinrike le Roux, pharmacy manager. PHOTO: Michelle Grobbelaar
“This has been a huge help since classes have resumed fully in person and practicals are an important component of many BSc programs,” said Libhonge Potelwa, who is the chairperson of the NSC.
According to Marietta van den Worm, director of the faculty of science, the faculty does consider potential cost struggles when it comes to getting lab coats.