Emeris Students Give Back Through Cansa Shavathon and Bone Marrow Donor Drive

Students at Emeris Durban North and Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga recently participated in campus initiatives which supported the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Shavathon and the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) respectively. The initiatives also introduced them to some of student committees, which included Emeris Cares, Emeris Sports, Emeris Careers and Emeris Student Life.

“Joining student committees allows students to truly become part of a community,” explained Lucie Bowyer (Head of Student Experience at Emeris Durban North). “They help students develop leadership and teamwork while shaping our campus culture. Emeris Cares initiatives like the CANSA Shavathon fundraiser show how students can make a real difference”.

These committees are run by students for students. Emeris Cares focuses on community outreach and volunteer projects. Emeris Sport brings students together through recreational and competitive sport. Emeris Careers (Career Services Ambassadors’ Committee) supports Emeris Career Services in engaging with the student community to equip students with essential employability skills and facilitate meaningful industry connections. Emeris Student Life helps create a vibrant campus experience through events, activities and student-led initiatives.

The 24th annual national CANSA Shavathon takes place this weekend at major malls. Emeris Durban North third year IIE Bachelor of Education students will volunteer as part of their service learning which gives students the chance to apply theory learnt to actual community projects while gaining valuable practical experience.

Kyra Lee Venkanna (second year IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching student at Emeris Durban North), who joined the Emeris Cares Committee this year, said the initiative reflected the committee’s focus on helping others. “The CANSA Shavathon is a wonderful way to raise funds and awareness for people affected by cancer”.

Second year IIE Bachelor of Arts students Chloe Schultz and Jadee Gokul said the campus event allowed students to support a cause that touches many families. “It’s a small but meaningful contribution that anyone can make. We both know people who’ve been diagnosed with cancer,” they said.

For Barend Clarke (Facilities Co-ordinator at Emeris Durban North) the event was also personal. His grandfather passed away due to cancer and his father-in-law recently had a cancer scare. “Our family helps to support the cause whenever we can. My wife swims for CANSA Active and recently participated in the Aquelle Midmar 8-Mile Charity Challenge. It’s great to see students and staff getting involved,” he said.

Natasha Brown (CANSA Sustainability Co-ordinator KZN) said the campaign continues to play an important role in raising awareness and funds. “The Shavathon shows solidarity with people who lose their hair during treatment while helping fund CANSA’s care and support programmes,” she said. “Support from partners like Emeris helps us continue assisting patients, survivors and their families”.

Meanwhile, students at Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga were introduced to the South African Bone Marrow Registry during a campus activation. Many students encountered the registry for the first time.

Nia Small (third year IIE Bachelor of Experience Design student) said curiosity led her to the information table in the campus foyer, where she learnt about the need for donors and signed up as a potential match.

“It would be meaningful if I could help save someone’s life,” she said. “If you can do something for someone, you should - whether you know them or not”.

Each year, many South Africans diagnosed with blood diseases such as Leukaemia rely on bone marrow stem cell transplants. While some patients find matches within their families, many depend on unrelated donors.

Mondli Gumede (IIE Higher Certificate in Creative Development student) and Shriya Bhoora (first year IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Digital Marketing student) also registered to become potential donors.

“Signing up was quick. It took me just five minutes to complete the forms and do the mouth swab. If you do it out of the goodness of your heart, you can really help someone,” said Bhoora.

Michaela Lewis (first year IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Strategic Brand Management student) said the activation helped raise awareness. “I’ve donated blood since I turned 16, so registering as a potential donor felt like another way to help others,” she said. “I didn’t know about the registry before today”.

Nivedita Dayanand (Wellness Specialist at Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga) said partnerships like these allow students to engage with meaningful causes. “It creates opportunities for volunteering, awareness campaigns and community involvement,” she said. “It also encourages students to make a positive contribution within their communities”.