2025
25 January 2025: Tangible Africa Coding Workshop for ECD practitioners
Once a week: Started with an “Open lab” project
Sold painting
13 – 15 August 2025: 25th International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement. I presented a paper on ‘Transforming Spaces: How Sensory Gardens Enrich Community Engagement’ alongside Rev. Chris Nkomo and Mr. Mfana Mathibela from the Historical Society of Mamelodi, and Hannes Engelbrecht from the Department of History and Heritage Studies, on ‘Digitally Preserving the History of Mamelodi – A Community-Focused Initiative.'”
August 2025: Saucer exhibition at Johan van Heerden Gallery
18 July 2025: The Mamelodi campus held three sessions of its virtual exchange programme with the University of Konstanz in Germany. High school learners from Mamelodi engaged thoughtfully with students from Konstanz, gaining important insights to enhance their social media skills. The conversations emphasised the significance of critical thinking and responsible digital behaviour in today’s complex online landscape. Participants from both ends expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to learn across cultures. This session not only promoted digital literacy but also strengthened mutual understanding and global connections.
8 August 2025: The Community Engagement Workshop was a vibrant gathering aimed at fostering collaboration between the University of Pretoria and local community members. Participants were welcomed by Mr. Edwin Smith, the acting director of the Mamelodi campus. Prof. Vanessa Steenkamp, deputy dean from the Faculty of Health Sciences, provided an overview of the various community projects in progress, along with the steps and requirements needed for involvement. Dr. Dr Eugene Machimana, Head of Curriculum Community Engagement, and Dr. Martina Jordaan, Head of Community Engagement Research, engaged attendees in activities designed to encourage open dialogue and idea sharing.
The group brainstormed innovative strategies to enhance the sustainability and impact of community projects. Ideas flowed freely as participants discussed methods for ensuring long-term benefits, effectively addressing community needs, and leveraging local resources. Through collaborative discussions, attendees identified key challenges faced by community initiatives and explored potential solutions.
The workshop not only provided valuable insights but also encouraged the formation of partnerships and networks among community members and university representatives. By the end of the session, the group felt inspired and empowered to take action, demonstrating a shared commitment to fostering meaningful change within their communities.
13 – 15 August 2025: Dr. Martina Jordaan and Lorraine Makena from the Mamelodi campus attended the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement, where they presented a paper titled “Transforming Spaces: How Sensory Gardens Enrich Community Engagement.” Dr. Jordaan also presented a paper with Rev. Chris Nkomo and Mr. Mfana Mathibela from the Historical Society, as well as Hannes Engelbrecht from the Department of History and Heritage Studies, on “Digitally Preserving the History of Mamelodi: A Community-Focused Initiative.”
11 September 2025: The University of Venda visited the Community Engagement Unit of the University of Pretoria on Thursday. As part of the presentations, Dr. Martina Jordaan, from the Mamelodi campus, also shared insights into the community engagement projects currently taking place at the Mamelodi campus. These initiatives highlight the university’s commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with the local community and addressing pressing social issues. Dr. Jordaan emphasised the importance of collaboration between institutions and communities to create a sustainable impact. Attendees were encouraged to discuss potential partnerships and innovative approaches to community engagement, paving the way for future collaboration and positive change. The visit was a great success, fostering dialogue and exchanging ideas that will benefit both universities and the communities they serve.
12 September 2025: A community engagement networking opportunity took place on Friday at the University of Pretoria, Mamelodi campus. Eight different universities attended the session, bringing together a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. The aim of this session was to identify possible collaborative projects and networking opportunities between the universities, specifically focusing on initiatives linked to community engagement. Participants shared insights into their respective community outreach programs, highlighting successful projects and discussing challenges faced in their efforts to make a positive impact. Workshops facilitated discussions on best practices and innovative strategies to enhance community involvement. The enthusiastic participation fostered an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual support, encouraging universities to work together to leverage their resources and strengths. Overall, the event was a significant step towards building meaningful connections that could lead to impactful community engagement endeavors in the future.
20 October 2025: Renowned scholar Prof. Timothy Stanton visited the Mamelodi campus this week. Prof. Tim Stanton is a Senior Engaged Scholar with Ravensong Associates, through which he consults on service-learning design and development in the U.S., Africa, and Asia. He was the founding director of Stanford University’s Bing Overseas Studies Program in Cape Town (2008-2014). As part of his visit, members of the Historical Society of Mamelodi gave him a tour of Mamelodi.
Jordaan, M. (22 – 24 October 2025). Capturing stories, Historical Society of Mamelodi –University of Pretoria (UP) (Keynote) The HSRC/NRF Engaged Research Conference, Johannesburg.
Jordaan, M. ( 17 November 2025) Bridging the Digital Divide in Mamelodi. Community Engagement Seminar, University of Pretoria.
20 November 2025: Attendees of the Anchoring Conversation Conference (https://irspbl2025.org.za/) visited the University of Pretoria’s Mamelodi Campus to learn more about the community projects taking place on campus. During the visit, participants engaged with staff and community members involved in various initiatives aimed at strengthening local development. They also had the opportunity to observe how university–community partnerships are contributing to skills development, digital inclusion, and long-term social impact in Mamelodi.
Article, ‘A Program Evaluation of an International, Intercultural E-Community-Engagement Initiative’, published in Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education (Q1), has been named an Outstanding Paper in the 2025 Emerald Literati Awards.
Jordaan, M. Engelbrecht, H., Nkomo, C., and Matibela, M. (18 – 20 Decembe 2025). Preserving Mamelodi’s History Through Digital Means: A Community-Centered Initiative 2025. International Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association Conference, Dubai. (Best paper in track)
Jordaan, M. and Falk. A. (18 – 20 December 2025). Growing Minds: The Impact of Sensory Gardens on Early Childhood Development in Mamelodi. 2025 International Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association Conference, Dubai.