15 June 2023 | Story Nicole Bongo | Photo Supplied
Prof Mohale
UFS Chancellor Prof Bonang Mohale is pictured with staff from the Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development – Carien Denner-Voster, Prof Johan van Niekerk, and Prof Jan Willem Swanepoel – fostering sustainability at the UFS Community Garden Project.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue for South Africa, particularly among university students who struggle to afford even the basic necessities. Recognising the problem, the University of the Free State (UFS) Community Garden project is one of many initiatives the institution has implemented to alleviate poverty. 

Many students in public higher education institutions rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to cover tuition and living expenses, including food, toiletries, and clothing. 

Cultivating and distributing fruits and vegetables from the Community Garden, the project has served as a beacon of hope for many students, ensuring access to healthy food, promoting overall well-being and academic success.

Karen Scheepers, Student Life Assistant Director in the Division of Student Affairs, said: “In a country where inflation rates continue to rise, even staple foods have become expensive. This reality forces students to prioritise inexpensive options that often lack nutritional value, compromising their health and overall quality of life.”

She said this during a recent visit by Prof Bonang Mohale, Chancellor of the University of the Free State, to the garden to witness the impact of the project on combating food insecurity. 

Accompanied by representatives from Kovsie ACT, the Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development, and the Food Environment Office, the Chancellor embarked on a tour of the vegetable gardens. During the visit, Prof Mohale gained insight into various cultivation techniques, the impact of sustainable agriculture, and the process of production and distribution.

Expressing his appreciation for the project, Prof Mohale commended the participants for ‘playing a crucial role’ in alleviating food insecurity among students. This visit provided renewed motivation for the students involved in the UFS Community Gardens, inspiring them to continue their efforts in reducing food insecurity.

Prof Mohale said: “The project serves as a shining example of how universities can actively address food insecurity among students. By empowering students with access to nutritious food and promoting sustainable agriculture, these initiatives not only alleviate immediate hunger but also foster a sense of community, resilience, and self-sufficiency.”

The UFS and the University of Johannesburg are but two of the higher education institutions in South Africa running garden projects.

Scheepers believes that “it is through innovative projects such as the UFS Community Garden that progress can be made, bringing hope and sustenance to students in need and paving the way for a brighter future”.


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