UJ students support pink
JOBURG – Students at the University of Johannesburg are keen to solve South Africa's social issues.
A group of students from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have come together to start a business and help contribute towards finding solutions to social issues in South Africa.
M’Africa, meaning the mother of Africa, is a company that was founded in 2014 by Andy Dube who has been dubbed by his workmates as ‘hustler’ rather than CEO.
They specialise in a number of activities including the design and manufacture of trendy street wear, and photography and they’re currently working with some up-and-coming musicians to help promote their music and get them working actively in the South African music industry.
The company was established to fulfil a need that was recognised by Dube to bridge racial gaps in South Africa.
“He realised his purpose of building a brand that will incorporate all different African lifestyles into a product that can be consumed by the public at large,” explained Olwethu Mekile, who is part of the team’s marketing department.
“By doing so, the aim was to be the common factor that unites people through cultural awareness, because, if what you wear defines you, then with M’Africa one is African,” said Mekile.
They’re not just brand-focused, however, as they have taken on a number of philanthropic responsibilities, including a campaign to collect sanitary pads for young women who can’t afford them.
Currently, the team is working on its Pink Friday campaign, to help graduates receive the necessary social responsibility experience by channelling their skills towards raising awareness of the sanitary towels crisis faced by some female students across the country.
“Our plea to society is to help us achieve these goals by supporting this movement by donating sanitary towels or a minimum of R3 to help us raise funds to help the ones in need,” Mekile said.
The team is also engaging with the #FeesMustFall protesters to help them voice their concerns and demands in a non-violent manner.
“Through this platform, we will be engaging with the youth to get a clear sense of what the solution to the current problem of high fees might be, without the disruptions and damaging properties,” concluded Mekile.
This group of young leaders wants to be a part of the solution.
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