Page 9 - Thetha Issue 6

HUBS OF CONVERGENCE

Sewing project

empowering well-being

nother tangible expression
of engagement over the
ACOVID-19 pandemic has
been the sewing project, which falls
under Hub Four: Community-based
Economic Initiatives.
At the onset of the pandemic
in 2020, the University began a
campaign called Mask-Up Mandela,
driving awareness about protective
measures against the disease, such
as wearing a mask to prevent the
spread of infection. A sewing project seamstress hard at work
This campaign connected with
another University project on sewing Today, masks are no longer a Funding towards this project
within marginalised communities. legal requirement and the sewing helps to provide logistical support
Specifically, the project created project has channelled its resources such as transport, stationery,
economic opportunities that to another venture that enhances catering and printing. It also
supported small-scale production of health and well-being. It is now contributes to consultations for
reusable cloth masks. exploring methods of providing strategic sessions and workshops
The Faculty of Education’s reusable cloth pads and/or menstrual on the solidarity economy,
Centre for the Community School, cups to women in South Africa who cooperatives, and funding proposal
the Association for the Physically cannot afford to buy them. development.
Disabled and 12 community schools Seed-funding is now being sought It is part of the Hubs’ mechanisms
from the Manyano Network worked to upskill community members with for community engagement that
alongside each other to produce not only sewing, but also business build relationships across sectors
fabric masks while the threat of skills, and the necessary resources to and facilitate community access to
infection was at its highest. start a small enterprise. information and resources.

he Zwide Development of South Africans in 2020 were work of the Zwide Development
Forum and the Hubs of already affected by moderate to Forum, which encompasses a
TConvergence have joined severe food insecurity. broader range of projects that
hands to address economic With food security and nutrition aim to strengthen community
challenges in the community seriously threatened over COVID-19 assets and voices by placing social
through the Zwide Community pandemic, more people have been impact and responsibility in their
Farming project. going hungry. Today, the picture is own hands.
This urban farming project likely to be even bleaker. The Zwide Community
falls under Hub Five – Community In the face of this, the Hubs of Development Project envisions the
Driven Projects – and Hub Two: Convergence recognises hunger and establishment of developmental
Food Security – as it focuses on poverty as grand social challenges projects which are looking for
supporting the community to that cannot be ignored, and part of support in the following areas:
produce food in a healthy and the response is a growing movement
sustainable way. of partnerships in community-based • Skills development centre
It is one of the projects to food systems. • Community kitchens and home
be highlighted at the Mandela A key feature of this focuses gardening
Day Launch in July 2022, in on the work that communities are • Educational academy
collaboration with the Nelson doing in establishing, improving and • Arts and culture
Mandela Foundation. maintaining access to sustainable development centre
According to Statistics South and affordable food. • Sports academy
Africa, almost one quarter (23.6%) Urban farming is one facet of the • Environmental programmes.

2022 | mandela.ac.za | 9