Welcome to Mandela University – Your Journey Begins Here

 

Congratulations on being accepted into the Social Work programme at Nelson Mandela University! This is a significant achievement, and we are so excited to welcome you to our department. Whether you are a recent matriculant or someone returning to further your studies, this is the beginning of a transformative journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

 

You’ve made a powerful choice, not only to pursue higher education but also to commit to a profession that makes a real difference in the world. Social work is more than a career; it’s a calling. You are choosing to stand alongside the marginalised, advocate for justice, and help restore dignity and hope to countless individuals. In making this choice, you are part of a long legacy of social change, standing on the shoulders of trailblazers like Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who said: "You strike a woman; you strike a rock." Winnie’s words remind us of the immense strength we carry in advocating for what’s right, no matter the challenges.

 

As you begin this new chapter, know that you have made one of the best decisions of your life. Your time at Mandela University will shape your character, your skills, and your impact in the world. Your journey here will not just equip you with knowledge; it will transform you into an agent of change in society. You are joining a community that will embrace you, nurture you, and empower you to be the best social worker you can be.

 

Social work is about more than just addressing individual needs, it’s about understanding systemic issues, fighting for justice, and holding space for marginalised individuals to assert their own voices and amplify their stories. As Lilian Ngoyi a social worker by profession, one of South Africa’s leading voices for women’s rights, once said: "We cannot afford to wait for the world to change; we must change it ourselves."

Through your studies and future work, you will play an active role in shaping a better world, one system at a time, working collaboratively to co-create lasting, sustainable change in communities and societies by sharing your value.

 

I encourage you to step into this journey with open hearts and minds. Every lesson you learn, every challenge you face, will build the foundation for the incredible social workers you are destined to become.

Remember, this path is not always easy, but it is always worth it. You are here because you have the potential to make a lasting impact. Let this truth guide you as you embark on your academic journey at Nelson Mandela University. As Mitri Widad wisely said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Your education will be a service to others, and in this service, you will find your true calling.

 

Finally, we draw inspiration from Victoria Fikile Chitepo, who devoted her life to social justice: "There is no greater privilege than to stand for the dignity of others." Remember, you are here not just to learn but to serve; to hold space for those who have been marginalised and help them assert their own voices.

 

Welcome once again to Nelson Mandela University. You belong here, and we can’t wait to see all that you will achieve.

With warm regards and best wishes,

1st year coordinator 

Mrs Busisiwe Madikizela-Theu