UNASA UCT

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

**United Nations Association of South Africa University of Cape Town**

Established	2007
Abbreviation	UNASA UCT
Organization	Student Organisation(NPO)
Affiliation	United Nations Associations, WFUNA
Focus	Development
Headquarters	University of Cape Town
Location	Cape Town, South Africa
Members	500+
Executive committee	8 member board
Web address	http://www.unasauct.org

The United Nations Association of South Africa University of Cape Town is a student organization affiliated with the United Nations Associations collectively known as WFUNA and is a registered society at the University of Cape Town.^[1] UNASA UCT is also an official chapter of the United Nations Association of South Africa (UNASA).^[2]

The national body

UNASA is a non-governmental organisation whose objective is to support the principles, goals and programmes of the United Nations (UN) and its agencies. UNASA UCT is a chapter of a national organisation: the United Nations Association of South Africa. There are United Nations Associations (UNAs) in a number of countries throughout the world. Together, these UNAs form the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA).

History

UNASA UCT was founded in 2007 at the University of Cape Town (UCT) as a society and a branch of the national United Nations-ASA body. The membership has grown steadily over the years and, and in 2011, the society had over 250 members ^{[citation needed]}. After "Orientation Week" in February 2012, UNASA UCT recruited over 500 members making it one of the biggest student societies in South Africa and is currently one of the most active and prominent societies at UCT.^{[citation needed]}

Vision

UNASA UCT aims to provide a platform for University of Cape Town students to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations as well as creating awareness and facilitating discourse about current and historic affairs that shape the world. The organization also aims to unite students from all over the world to exchange ideas, perceptions and experiences. Furthermore, UNASA UCT strongly desires to be proactive in the national and international realm and to campaign against youth apathy and ignorance.^[3]

Annual events and campaigns

School MUN 2011 conference in progress at Provincial Parliament in Cape Town

Model United Nations (MUN)

UNASA UCT has held many annual events throughout the years with the most prominent being the university-level Model United Nations (MUN) conference. Model United Nations (also Model UN or MUN) is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda.^[4] Interest at the University of Cape Town from students to participate increases each year and the popularity of the MUN has grown immensely. In 2011, an inaugural School Model United Nations was organized by UNASA UCT which brought together around 20 schools in Cape Town and allowed high school kids to be exposed to a MUN. It was held at Western Cape Provincial Parliament in Cape Town.^[5]

A marching band performs at the University of Cape Town during Blue Week

Blue Week

UNASA UCT hosted its inaugural Blue Week at the University of Cape Town in 2011- a week dedicated to promoting the MDGs and creating awareness to the student body about existing social issues. Blue Week is now an annual event. It exposes UCT students to current issues and discourse that affect the wider community in terms of race, human rights and poverty.

The campaigns and events run during Blue Week include the E-RACE IT campaign, primary Blue Week theme to create awareness on existing racism and issues surrounding racial discrimination ; End Poverty Now Campaign, aimed to establish consciousness of ongoing poverty and encourage students to contribute to eradication of poverty; MDGs education day, one day in Blue Week dedicated to creating awareness about the MDGs amongst students; and a Human Rights seminar, a thought provoking discussion of the current trends in human rights.

Other annual events

UNASA UCT also organizes other events during the year including a pub quiz, tree planting days, UN career talks and movie screenings.

Executive Committees

2007

Chairperson: Thandeka Cochrane
Vice Chairperson: Rumbi Masango
Secretary: Calvin Scholtz
Treasurer: Christine Immenga
Project Coordinator: Shingrai Maparura
MUN Coordinator: Stacey-Leigh Titus
Funding & Marketing Coordinator: Noxolo Ntshaba:

2008

Chairperson: Trevor McArthur
Treasurer: Kudzai Mudzengerere
Secretary: Shilpi Jain
Accountant: Christine Immenga
Project Coordinator: Andrew Mbambezeli
Internal Relations and Marketing: Tsholofelo Xaba
Internal Relations and Marketing: Lindelwa Skenjana
External Relations: Anna Malczyk
MUN Co-ordinator: Pajaé Schlebusch

2009

Chairperson: Cheneal Puljevic
Vice-Chair: Sarah Koopman
Treasurer: Tshego Thulare
Secretary: La'eeqah Galant
MUN co-ordinator: Thandeka Cochrane
External Relations: Bushra Gules

2010

Chairperson: Ali Kiyaei
Deputy Chairperson: Cheneal Puljevic
Secretary: Gracia Munganga
Political Affairs: Lolly Mtembu
Deputy MUN Coordinator: Rebecca Muting'a
Social Affairs: Sahar Mohyuddin
MUN coordinator: Thandeka Cochrane
Treasurer: Thsego Thulare
Public Relations: Zintle Bom

2011

Chairperson: Ali Kiyaei
Deputy Chair/MUN Coord: Anade Situma
Secretary: Karusha Naidoo
Treasurer: Kimeshan Naidoo
Media & Marketing: Muma Khumalo

2012

Chairperson: Kimeshan Naidoo
Deputy Chairperson: Josh Platzky Miller
Secretary: Helen Matienga
Treasurer: Karusha Naidoo
Marketing: Maletsabisa Molapo
Public Relations: Jean Smuts
University MUN Coordinator: Darren Brookbanks
School MUN Coordinator: Tafadzwa Mautsa

2013

Chairperson: Darren Brookbanks
Deputy Chairperson: Jessica Hichens
Secretary: Anye Nyamnjoh
Treasurer: Kunaal Maharaj
External Projects and Public Relations: Lavani Moodley
Marketing: Ayanda Nxusani
IT Director: Oluyomi Olufemi Kabiawu

^[6]

Notes

Awards: UCT Team of the Year 2012