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ceu.uwc.ac.za | Community Engagement at the University of the Western Cape Welcome to the Community Engagement Unit CEU Staff CEU Staff (1) Volunteers Easter Sunday CEU Staff 1/8 UWC’s Community Engagement Unit (CEU) focuses on advancing the Scholarship of Engagement for Societal Impact (SoE-SI). Drawing on an adapted version of Boyer’s Scholarships model, we position community engagement not as a peripheral activity, but as a rigorous, ethical, and transformative approach to knowledge production that should be infused throughout all the university’s activities. Grounded in reciprocity and co-creation, CEU’s work supports partnerships that bring leaders, academics, and communities into meaningful dialogue, where diverse knowledge systems are recognised and valued. Central to this is a commitment to centering the agency and voice of communities. We contribute to a research culture that is socially responsive, critically engaged, and rooted in the realities of post-apartheid South Africa. CEU’s contribution lies in expanding how societal impact is understood, enabled, and sustained. We support pathways for translating evidence-based research into institutional, societal, and global impact through collaborative, contextually grounded practices. This includes strengthening the design and implementation of community-engaged research, building capacity among academics, students, and partners, and fostering networks that enable sustained collaboration. One of our flagship projects is our Community-Engaged Learning Programme (CELP), a student training initiative that inspires UWC students to embrace leadership rooted in social justice and transformative scholarship. Our understanding of impact foregrounds social justice, mutual benefit, and sustained transformation. One of our key priorities is amplifying the visibility of UWC’s social impact engagements and research through our annual Social Impact Engagement and Scholarship of Engagement reports. Latest news CE Newsletter Issue #22 Project: Winter Hope (Garies, Northern Cape) Community Engagement (CE) and Scholarship of Engagement (SoE) Databases Upcoming Events Wed 29 Jul Faculty of Education SoE-SI Training / University of the Western Cape RSVP 29 Jul 2026, 09:30 – 12:30 University of the Western Cape, C9, New Education Building (Main Campus) See All Wed 05 Aug Faculty of Arts & Humanities SoE-SI Training / University of the Western Cape Register 05 Aug 2026, 13:00 – 15:30 University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa Map email: ceu@uwc.ac.za Quick Links Visit Us Events Calendar Follow us ceu.uwc.ac.za

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Latest News & Announcements CE Newsletter Issue #22 CE Newsletter #22 (2026) 7 July 2026 Read More >> Pearl September-Brown Project: Winter Hope (Garies, Northern Cape) Winter Hope (Garies, Northern Cape) Read More >> CEU Staff Unizulu-led UCDP site visit Unizulu-led UCDP site visit 2 July 2026 Read More >> CEU Staff

On 2 July, representatives from the University of Zululand and the University of the Western Cape met as part of the Unizulu-led UCDP site visit. The meeting focused on laying the groundwork for the collaborative project, Community Engagement Ethics and Research Methodology, and provided an opportunity to discuss collaboration between the participating institutions. Among those in attendance was Dr. Samantha van Schalkwyk, Acting Director of the UWC Community Engagement Unit, together with Prof. Peter Njuho (University of Zululand), Prof. Bolyn Selepe (UWC), Prof. Jesika Singh ( Director Research Development and Postgraduate Support , UWC), and Ms. Kristena Reddy. Pictured from left: Prof. Bolyn Selepe, Prof. Peter Njuho, Prof. Jesika Singh, Ms. Kristena Reddy, and Dr. Samantha van Schalkwyk.

Winter has a special way of reminding us that small acts of kindness can create lasting warmth. Our Project Winter Hope initiative in Garies, Northern Cape, was an incredible success, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, partnered with us, and helped make a meaningful impact in the lives of community members. On behalf of the Community Engagement Unit (CEU), we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our partners from the UWC Library, particularly Khanyisa Yekwani and Gerald Louw, for their dedication and support throughout this initiative. A special thank you goes to Dr Shirlene Neerputh, Director of the UWC Library, and Shehaamah Mohamed, Deputy Director Learning and Teaching, Library Services, for the valuable partnership and collaboration that made this project possible. We would also like to acknowledge and thank our internal support team and leadership: our Acting Director, Dr Samantha Van Schalkwyk, Nathan Lawrence from the UWC Centre of Performing Arts (CPA), and Damaris Kiewiets, our Community Liaison Officer, for their commitment and contributions. To our valued partners, Change Agents South Africa NPO, thank you for walking this journey with us. Special appreciation goes to Olin Kiewietz, who led this project with passion and dedication, as well as Change Agents South Africa Chairperson, Jayson George, for the continued support and commitment to promoting social impact. Throughout our visit to JJ Lambert Primary School, facilitated by Juffrou Fagmieya Januarie and her team, and the Garies Town Hall, a number of meaningful activities took place that touched the lives of many community members. The Community Engagement Unit (CEU) led a workshop, “Die Stem van Garies,” which focused on community mapping and centring the voices of community members. This workshop was facilitated by Nathan Lawrence (UWC Centre for Performing Arts), Damaris Kiewiets (CEU Community Liaison Officer) and Dr. Samantha van Schalkwyk (Acting Director, CEU). Khanyisa Yekwani and Gerald Louw from the UWC Library also facilitated a workshop for youth and their parents on the dangers of the online world and digital safety awareness. One of the highlights of the programme was the Dignity Clothes Shop initiative led by Change Agents South Africa. Donations were carefully displayed, and community members were given the opportunity to choose items according to their needs and preferences. Children selected toys of their choice, individuals picked clothing items and shoes, while adults also received blankets, soup, socks, and other essential winter items. A particularly touching moment was reaching out directly to vulnerable members of the community. Five elderly community members were visited in their homes, with the oldest being 91 years old. These moments reminded us that community engagement is not only about providing material support, but also about restoring dignity, sharing compassion, and building human connection. Our outreach also extended to Joe Slovo Community Health Centre-ER, where we donated baby clothing and boxes of sanitary pads to support families and address important community needs. This initiative demonstrated the true power of collaboration, compassion, and collective action. Together, we did more than provide warmth this winter; we shared hope, restored dignity, inspired smiles, and fostered a genuine sense of belonging. Thank you to every donor, volunteer, staff member, student, and partner who contributed towards making this initiative a success. Together, we continue to build stronger communities and create meaningful change.

Dr Samantha van Schalkwyk (Acting Director): The first half of 2026 has been a period of transition and growth for the Community Engagement Unit (CEU). Since assuming the role of Acting Director in January 2026, a key focus has been to enhance the visibility of community engagement initiatives within the CEU and across UWC. This commitment is aligned with UWC's IOP 2026–2030 and its vision of developing graduates who embody Ubuntu through ethical leadership and social responsibility. Read More ... https://tinyurl.com/48e7jrcs

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