From left Dr Karabo Sebake, Dean of Students, Dr Charity Mbileni-Morema, CUT Chairperson of Council, Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Mr Metsing Matlhaku, SRC President Bloemfontein and Mr Tokelo Makintane, SRC President Welkom.

In a progressive initiative to tackle student food insecurity, Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, has donated R182,725.57 to the Student Representative Council (SRC) to launch a food bank. This initiative aims to assist disadvantaged students with food and other essential needs, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial hardships.

Prof. Dube received a speaker fee of $10 000 from  Virginia Tech via the Henry Luce Fund supporting the Tech for Humanity Summit in June 2024, where CUT leadership and key partners were invited.

The fund, a joint effort between the Vice-Chancellor and the SRC, is specifically designed to provide students with food and assist those struggling with registration fees. The Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of continuity, encouraging future SRCs to build on this collaborative initiative.

"This donation is the start of a fund that builds on the work that the 2023/24 SRC has started. We aim to create a sustainable fund where students can receive assistance, at least meeting them halfway, whether it’s for registration fees or basic food needs. This mission will be handed down to every following SRC to grow the fund through campaigns and gain more support for our student leadership and community."

Dr Karabo Sebake, Dean of Students, expressed his gratitude for the Vice-Chancellor’s donation, noting how crucial it is in addressing the wider socioeconomic challenges students face.

"It is important to recognise that student indigency in higher education is part of what has evolved within the context of higher education. Building a university fit for purpose requires all of us to come together and support our students. We must address the challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequalities that continue to persist in our economy. Thank you, VC, for helping to create a truly student-centric university."

We invite you to donate to the food bank.