Please contribute to the UCT Food Sovereignty programme

Dear colleagues and students

Consider the challenge of studying while grappling with hunger. How focused would you be? Now, envision preparing for an examination under the same circumstances. Could we truly expect such a student to fully tap into their potential and excel? Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality faced by many students at South African higher education institutions, and the University of Cape Town (UCT) is not immune to this challenge.

The UCT Food Sovereignty programme in the Department of Student Affairs is a key strategic area and has existed since 2018. This programme is in response to food insecurity, a global and national reality that affects our student community. Through this initiative, we strive to promote dignity, humanising encounters, well-being, and academic success. The programme provides monthly grocery packs to supplement the food requirements for students. There are currently 900 students on the programme from all faculties and across all levels of study. The programme is for students who:

• are unfunded, under-funded, or experience periodic food insecurity
• do not live in a catering residence, and
• are currently registered.

The programme relies on donations (cash or kind) to continue functioning. We are grateful to the many UCT staff, students, alumni and organisations who already contribute to the programme. We need more help from within the UCT community – your help will make an immediate impact on students’ lives.

Please consider making a small monthly donation (or direct EFT), so that we can continue with this much-needed initiative. Please note that donations are tax deductible.

• Contribute to the programme.

Please remember to select ‘Food Sovereignty Programme’ when prompted to select a project, so that your donation can be directed accordingly.

For further queries, please contact Nolindo Wabani or Nadierah Pienaar.

Sincerely

Professor Elelwani Ramugondo
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Transformation, Student Affairs and Social Responsiveness

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements