{"id":42939,"date":"2026-09-15T12:56:50","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T12:56:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=42939"},"modified":"2026-09-15T13:44:12","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T13:44:12","slug":"vut-public-relations-students-use-communication-for-compassion-and-community-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/vut-public-relations-students-use-communication-for-compassion-and-community-impact\/","title":{"rendered":"VUT Public Relations students use communication for compassion and community impact"},"content":{"rendered":"

“VUT Public Relations students partnered with the Go Purple Foundation to support victims of sexual violence and vulnerable community members while gaining valuable real-world experience in social impact and community engagement.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

14 September 2026 | Story by: Student Reporter | Picture:<\/strong> Supplied<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

\n \n
\n VUT Public Relations Management students from the Impact Collective and representatives of the Go Purple Foundation pose for a group photo following a community outreach initiative supporting victims of sexual violence and vulnerable community members.\n <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For a group of second-year Public Relations Management students at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), communication is about far more than crafting messages and managing brands. It is about connecting with people, understanding their realities and using their skills to make a positive difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driven by this belief, the students, who form part of the Impact Collective, partnered with the Go Purple Foundation on 9 September 2026 for a community outreach initiative aimed at supporting victims of sexual violence and vulnerable members of the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What began as a class project quickly evolved into a meaningful experience that combined learning, empathy and action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The students raised funds and used their own resources to put together 15 toiletry and stationery packs for individuals receiving support through a local trauma centre. Working side-by-side with Go Purple Foundation staff, they carefully packed the items into gift bags, with the Foundation adding further donations to ensure each package could provide practical comfort and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the contents of the bags addressed immediate needs, the students recognised that the gesture carried a deeper message: that those receiving assistance are seen, valued and not alone during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The outreach did not end there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wanting to extend their impact, the students prepared and distributed 15 lunch meals to homeless community members and car guards in the surrounding area. The experience gave them an opportunity to engage directly with people whose stories and circumstances are often overlooked, reminding them that small acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many of the students, however, the most valuable part of the day was the opportunity to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through conversations with Go Purple Foundation staff, they gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by victims of sexual violence and the important role non-governmental organisations play in providing support, care and hope. They also saw first-hand how community partnerships can help address social challenges and create positive change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The experience brought classroom concepts to life, allowing students to apply the principles of communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship-building in a real-world environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking on behalf of Impact Collective, Ms Palesa Ramoipone said the initiative highlighted the important role young people can play in their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Our main purpose was to create awareness in the community and give back. We also learned a lot from the NGO staff, and their motivation encouraged us to continue making a positive difference,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The students’ commitment left a lasting impression on the Go Purple Foundation team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms Annari du Plessis, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, commended the group for their willingness to contribute both their time and personal resources to the initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“My team, together with students, sang, talked and worked together for victims of sexual violence and the less fortunate. Their actions and willingness, even in the face of challenges, made me hopeful about the days we live in. It was a privilege to have worked with these students,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the donations and outreach activities, the initiative served as a powerful reminder that communication is ultimately about people. It is about listening, building relationships, fostering understanding and creating connections that can lead to positive social impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the members of Impact Collective, the day reinforced an important lesson that will remain relevant throughout their careers: meaningful change does not always begin with large-scale interventions. Sometimes, it starts with a willingness to care, to engage and to take action where help is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they continue their academic journey, the students hope to remain involved in initiatives that raise awareness, support vulnerable communities and contribute to building a more caring and inclusive society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through their partnership with the Go Purple Foundation, they demonstrated that the true value of Public Relations lies not only in communicating messages, but in using communication to uplift people and strengthen communities.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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