A saxophone melody drifting through a lounge at Azaleahof old age home, children painting colourful pictures at a residence common room, and students packing food parcels together were just some of the moments that defined Stellenbosch University’s Social Impact Community Morning earlier this year.
More than 6 000 newcomers took part in the initiative on Friday, 6 February 2026, during the University’s Welcoming Week programme. Hosted by the Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation (CASIT), the morning introduced first-year students to engaged and active citizenship through hands-on community experiences.
Across Stellenbosch and the Tygerberg campus, students spent the morning connecting with community partners and learning how small acts of service can contribute to meaningful social change.
At Azaleahof old age home, students and residents shared tea, conversation and laughter during intergenerational exchanges, with one student even praying for the elderly. One student even performed on a saxophone, creating a memorable moment as residents listened and joined in the warm atmosphere.
Creativity and storytelling filled the halls at Goldfields residence, where learners from Ikhaya Primary School were invited for a morning of painting, drawing and storytelling activities hosted by students.
Elsewhere, students from Harmonie, Huis Marais, Irene and Silene residences worked together with Rise Against Hunger to pack food parcels that will be distributed to children at crèches across the country.
While the activities differed, the purpose was the same: to introduce newcomers to the importance of community engagement and responsible citizenship.
The programme formed part of Stellenbosch University’s broader commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. By participating in community-based activities, students were able to see how global development goals can be translated into practical action at a local level.
Corina Du Toit, the inaugural Programme Manager for the Impact Hub, also spoke to students during Welcoming Week about the University’s sustainability vision for 2030 and the role students can play in advancing these goals.
The Social Impact Community Morning aimed to help students understand the value of collaboration between the University and communities, while encouraging them to remain involved in-service initiatives throughout the year.
For many newcomers, the morning was not only an introduction to university life, but also a reminder that meaningful connections whether through music, conversation or acts of service can make a lasting difference.
