Students at Emeris Durban North and Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga recently participated in campus initiatives supporting the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Shavathon and the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR), while also engaging with their respective student committees.
At Emeris Durban North, students supported CANSA’s annual Shavathon campaign, which raises funds and awareness for those affected by cancer. As part of their service learning programme, third-year IIE Bachelor of Education students also volunteered at the 24th national Shavathon held at major malls over the weekend.
Lucie Bowyer, Head of Student Experience at Emeris Durban North, said that joining student committees allows students to truly become part of a community. Bowyer said: “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.”
The various committees—including Emeris Cares, Emeris Sport, Emeris Careers, and Emeris Student Life—are run by students for students, focusing on community outreach, sport, career development, and campus activities. Kyra Lee Venkanna, a second-year IIE Bachelor of Education student and member of the Emeris Cares Committee, said: “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 noted that the campus event allowed students to support a cause that touches many families. They said: “It’s a small but meaningful contribution that anyone can make. We both know people who’ve been diagnosed with cancer.”
For staff member Barend Clarke, the cause is deeply personal. Clarke said: “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.”
Natasha Brown, CANSA Sustainability Co-ordinator for KZN, added that the Shavathon shows solidarity with people who lose their hair during treatment while helping fund care and support programmes. Brown said: “Support from partners like Emeris helps us continue assisting patients, survivors and their families.”
Meanwhile, students at Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga attended an activation introducing them to the South African Bone Marrow Registry. Many signed up after learning that patients with blood diseases such as leukaemia often rely on unrelated donors for life-saving stem cell transplants.
First-year student Michaela Lewis said: “I’ve donated blood since I turned 16, so registering as a potential donor felt like another way to help others. I didn’t know about the registry before today.”
Nivedita Dayanand, Wellness Specialist at Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga, said: “It creates opportunities for volunteering, awareness campaigns and community involvement. It also encourages students to make a positive contribution within their communities.”
