for a good cause Mlambo showcases his powerful story with a ‘Hero Video’ as part of the Feenix Youth Month

NSeven English and Communication Programme staffers walked the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge for a good cause PRETTY SHEZI Fun was the order of the day at the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge that took place on 3 September 2022. Seven staff members from the Durban University of Technology’s English and Communication Programme challenged themselves W to a 5km-walk in order to exercise, promote team spirits and do something for a good cause. English and Communication’s secretary Lindiwe Ntombela joined the programme’s coordinator, Dr Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi and lecturers Dr Veena Partab, Dr Ursula Vooght, Ms Terry Herd, Ms Zizipho Mdletye and Dr Jade Smith on an early morning walk from Moses Mabhida Stadium to Sun Coast Casino. The ladies enjoyed Durban’s early morning sea breeze in the company of family and friends while chatting, laughing, taking pictures and selfies. Although the walk was held on 3 September 2022, it was in celebration of Women’s Month. This year’s theme was ‘#IRise’ aimed at encouraging women to rise collectively in order to conquer whatever challenges they are face with in life. Dr Veena Partab resonated deeply with this year’s theme stating: “I had to deal with the complexities of life after losing my husband to cancer.” Dr Jade Smith, who assists a foundation that combats gender-based violence said: “I am a volunteer copywriter for the Andrew Ziehl Foundation based in Gqeberha that supports women across South Africa after they have bravely completed the court process of convicting their abuser.” This year’s entry fee of R120 would be channelled to helping child headed households through the ‘Petal Project’ and various charities that donate sanitary pads to schoolgirls. For the English and Communication ladies, this challenge gave them an opportu-

English and Communication ladies (L-R) Lindiwe Ntombela, Dr Veena Partab, Dr Ursula Vooght, Terry Herd, Dr Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi and Dr Jade Smith. Missing from picture: Ms Zizipho Mdletye. Photo Supplied. 16 | SOFTCOPY

E WS nity to continue their passion for exercising while giving back to the community. “I do the Pick n Pay Durban walk as well as donate sandwiches to the disadvantaged on a weekly basis at a local church. I have been making these sandwiches since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, as more people lost their livelihoods during this time,” said Dr Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi. Dr Ursula Vooght who is passionate about supporting charity organisations said: “I support the Denis Hurley Centre with a regular financial contribution and Woza Moya, the Hillcrest Aids Trust by attending their events, donating and purchasing their products.” Fitness enthusiast, Lindiwe Ntombela has taken part in many races before. She took part in the 10km Totalsports Women’s Race on 9 August 2022, the East Coast Radio Big Fun Walk and FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN. Another lecturer who likes to keep fit is Ms Terry Herd, she said: “I do the Park run/walk every Saturday and I try to walk 10,000 steps most mornings early before work.” ISSUE THREE 2022 | 17