Stellenbosch University (SU) and other local organisations recently came together to host a social justice walk aimed at addressing student debt.
This is according to Thembalethu Seyisi, #Action4Inclusion coordinator, the SU organisation behind the fundraising initiative.
“The funds raised via #Action4Inclusion are used to support students who cannot register for the next academic year owing to outstanding fees, as well as graduates who cannot access their academic records upon graduation,” stated Seyisi via written communication with MatieMedia.
Other organisations involved in this event were the Law Trust Chair in Social Justice, the SU Student Representative Council (SRC) and the division development and alumni relations (DAR), according to Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for SU, via written correspondence with MatieMedia.
Jeanneret Momberg, head of tourism at Visit Stellenbosch, explains the similarities and aims of the organisation’s Journey of Hope and Healing initiative and the upcoming #Action4Inclusion Social Justice Walk. AUDIO: Bianke Neethling
Tracing the steps of history
The #Action4Inclusion Social Justice Walk took place on 16 June, which is nationally celebrated as Youth Day, explained Seyisi. “As it is a special day for young people, the #Action4Inclusion Social Justice Walk is a wonderful way of celebrating the youth and also contributing to a good cause – helping students settle their study debt.”
The walk followed a “historic route”, stated Seyisi.
“The route will take us from Stellenbosch via the old Helshoogte Pass to Pniel,” explained Viljoen.
Pictured above is Visit Stellenbosch’s 16 km-long Journey to Hope and Healing route, which starts in Stellenbosch and ends in Pniel. More details about the route can be found on Visit Stellenbosch’s website. GRAPHIC: Bianke Neethling
Tourism
“The route of 16 km currently exists as a tourist attraction called the ‘Journey of Hope and Healing’, with the objective of creating an environment wherein all of the communities in Stellenbosch can enjoy the immense benefits of our tourism potential,” stated Viljoen.
Journey of Hope and Healing is a tourism product created by Visit Stellenbosch, which is a logistical partner in the Social Justice Walk, according to Jeanneret Momberg, head of tourism at Visit Stellenbosch.
The #Action4Inclusion event also offered an opportunity to reignite interest in the Dwarsrivier Valley, stated Viljoen. “[Dwarsrivier Valley is] an undeveloped area of rich living history, cultural charm, and spectacular natural beauty in the Stellenbosch region.”
Stellenbosch University’s #Action4Inclusion Social Justice Walk was open to the public, with tickets being sold for R540. This number refers to the 54 students who were originally supported by the campaign. This is according to Jeanneret Momberg, head of tourism at Visit Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Bianke Neethling
While the Journey of Hope and Healing is an event that is accessible year-round, the #Action4Inclusion Social Justice Walk takes place twice a year, stated Momberg.
“We usually have a group of about 50 participants,” stated Seyisi. “The Social Justice Walk is widely attended by students and the public. We are often accompanied by high-profile people such as representatives of the mayoral office or other dignitaries.”
About 30 people joined the walk on 16 June, which consisted of student leaders, civil society and members of the SU executive, including Prof Wim de Villiers, SU rector and vice-chancellor, and Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU deputy vice-chancellor, stated Seyisi.
The event was concluded by a keynote address from Prof Thuli Madonsela, the Law Trust Chair in Social Justice at SU, stated Viljoen. Madonsela was also joined by Geordin Hill-Lewis, the executive mayor of Cape Town, and Geraldine Mettler, municipal manager of Stellenbosch Municipality, he added.
The #Action4Inclusion Social Justice Walk was open to the public, and tickets were sold for R540. This number refers to the 54 students who were originally supported by the campaign, according to Jeanneret Momberg, head of tourism at Visit Stellenbosch.
About 30 people attended the recent #Action4Inclusion Social Justice Walk on 16 June in Stellenbosch, which was aimed at addressing student debt. This is according to Thembalethu Seyisi, #Action4Inclusion coordinator, via written correspondence with MatieMedia. Pictured from left to right are some of the attendees of the event: Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Stellenbosch University (SU) deputy vice-chancellor; Geordin Hill-Lewis, executive mayor of the City of Cape Town; Prof Thuli Madonsela, Law Trust Chair in Social Justice; and Prof Wim de Villiers, SU rector and vice-chancellor. PHOTO: Supplied/Thembalethu Seyisi