{"id":33483,"date":"2026-03-17T11:17:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T11:17:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=33483"},"modified":"2026-03-25T14:21:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T14:21:22","slug":"more-than-a-donation-as-vut-supports-dignity-for-young-women-at-north-west-university","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/en_gb\/more-than-a-donation-as-vut-supports-dignity-for-young-women-at-north-west-university\/","title":{"rendered":"More than a donation as VUT supports dignity for young women at North-West University"},"content":{"rendered":"

“VUT marked its 60th milestone by donating sanitary pads to North-West University students, supporting dignity, confidence and access to essential care.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

17 March 2026 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu\u00a0| Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"VUT<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For many young women, something as basic as access to sanitary products can quietly determine whether they attend class, participate fully or stay behind in silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is within this reality that the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) marked its 60-year milestone not only with celebration, but with compassion and intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 12 March 2026, VUT visited the North-West University Vanderbijlpark Campus to donate 60 boxes of sanitary pads to female students. The number carried symbolic weight, one box for each year of the University\u2019s existence, yet the true value of the gesture lay far beyond symbolism. It was about restoring dignity, easing an often-unspoken burden and reminding young women that they are seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initiative was led by Mr Vincent Mdluli, HIV Assistant Coordinator at VUT, alongside colleagues and peer educators, with VUT FM present to support and capture the moment. What unfolded was not merely a handover, but a moment of collective awareness, a recognition of a challenge that quietly continues to affect many students across institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs we celebrate 60 years, we felt it was important to extend a helping hand to the girl child and make a meaningful difference,\u201d said Mr Mdluli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He emphasised that while the gesture may seem modest, its impact reaches into the everyday lives of students who often navigate financial strain with quiet resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmall acts of kindness can go a long way in restoring dignity and ensuring that no student feels discouraged from attending classes because of a lack of essential hygiene products,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the receiving end, the significance of the donation was deeply understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sr Nokuthula Malinga, Head Nurse at the Vanderbijlpark Campus Health Care Centre, spoke candidly about the realities faced by some students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere are students who miss classes because they cannot afford sanitary products,\u201d she said. \u201cSupport like this helps ensure that they can attend lectures with confidence and pride.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her words brought into focus a truth that often remains in the margins of institutional conversations, that access to education is not only about lecture halls and textbooks, but also about dignity, health and the ability to show up fully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the immediate impact, the initiative also reflected something greater, a quiet but powerful spirit of collaboration between institutions, grounded in care rather than competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In choosing to give in this way, VUT affirmed that its 60-year journey is not only measured by milestones achieved, but by lives touched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because sometimes, the most meaningful celebrations are not found in grand gestures, but in the simple act of ensuring that no young woman has to choose between her dignity and her education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch the full experience on Flickr <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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