Mandela Day Reflections: Giving Back at Bara Hospital as a PR Student
As a Public Relations (PR) student at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Mandela Day holds a special meaning for me. It’s not just a day on the calendar—it’s a reminder of how powerful giving back can be, even in small acts. This year, I was privileged to spend my 67 minutes at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (Bara Hospital) in Soweto, as part of UJ’s Community Engagement volunteer programme.
Prepping for Mandela Day: Content Creation with Purpose
My Mandela Day journey started even before the day itself. The night before, I found myself reflecting on Nelson Mandela’s legacy, searching for inspiring words he once shared. I wanted to create a meaningful post that not only honoured Madiba’s values but also shared my intention of spending the day at Bara Hospital. I designed a Mandela Day poster and early the next morning, posted it on LinkedIn. For me, this was more than just content—it was a way to raise awareness about the importance of community service and invite others to reflect on how they could give back.
Arriving at Bara: Team Spirit and Purpose
The day officially began when I reported to campus, signed the attendance forms, and joined my fellow volunteers as we boarded the bus to Bara Hospital. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the hospital staff. In true South African spirit, we sang songs together to kick-start the day, creating a sense of unity among volunteers and hospital staff alike.
Roles were assigned, and I was part of the team tasked with picking up litter around the hospital premises. While performing this duty, I also took on a personal responsibility—capturing content. As a PR student, I understand the importance of visual storytelling. Documenting these moments through photos and videos allows us to share these impactful experiences with a wider audience and highlight the value of community engagement.
Moments of Joy: Music and Hope
One of the most touching moments of the day was when a foundation visited the hospital to sing for patients and staff. We joined them in singing uplifting church songs. It was heartwarming to see how music brought smiles and hope to people who were going through difficult times. This simple act of singing together turned out to be a powerful form of emotional support for those in the hospital.
Conversations and Connections
Later, while waiting for our bus back to campus, we had informal discussions with fellow students about our Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements. It was insightful to hear how everyone was progressing in different organisations, and it reminded me of how important networking and shared experiences are in the PR industry.
Before we left, the foundation that had been singing earlier called us to witness the handing out of appreciation certificates to hospital workers. It was a beautiful gesture of gratitude that reminded me of the importance of recognising those who serve tirelessly in our communities. We ended the day with some cake and refreshments, which added a sweet note to a meaningful day.
Capturing Content the PR Way
When it comes to content creation, I always pay close attention to good angles and natural lighting. After capturing photos and videos, I use editing apps like CapCut to polish the content and add catchy captions. Timing is everything in content sharing. I usually post during lunch breaks, in the evenings when people are home, or early mornings to maximise engagement. This is something I’ve learned from observing audience behaviour and studying digital media trends as part of my PR course.
Final Reflections: The Bigger Picture
The goal of Mandela Day is simple yet profound—to encourage people to spend 67 minutes doing something positive for others. From a PR perspective, days like these are not just about being physically present but about using our skills to amplify the message of community upliftment. By volunteering, creating content, and sharing these experiences online, we extend the reach of Mandela’s legacy and inspire others to act.
For me, this Mandela Day was a blend of learning, giving, and professional growth. It reinforced the importance of community engagement in PR and reminded me why I chose this career path—to tell meaningful stories that have the power to bring people together.
