On Tuesday 2 December 2025, the University of the Free State (UFS) will join millions around the world in marking Giving Tuesday – a global moment that reminds us of the power of generosity and the difference it can make in our own communities. At the UFS, giving is not an abstract idea; it reflects our shared values, especially Care, one of the principles that guide who we are and how we support one another.

Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, emphasises the heart of this day:

“As a university, we are shaped by our commitment to care – for our students, our colleagues, and the communities around us. Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for each of us to live out that value in a practical way. I call on every member of the UFS community to contribute in whichever way they can. Every act of giving, no matter the size, strengthens our collective impact and efforts in building responsible societal futures.”

Pat Lamusse, Deputy Director of Institutional Advancement, adds context on the campaign:

“Charity begins at home. Our 2025 campaign focuses on staff giving to demonstrate how individuals can make a difference, and to encourage a culture of giving at UFS. We are concentrating on programmes where the need is greatest, so that every contribution has meaningful impact.”

This year, the UFS highlights three programmes that embody this impact-driven spirit of generosity:

VC-ISRC Imbewu Legacy Fund

The VC-ISRC Imbewu Legacy Fund offers critical financial support to students facing deregistration or overwhelming financial difficulty. The fund continues to change the lives of students like Moipone Mokgwati, a postgraduate law student who recently received support to settle her outstanding fees. “Coming from a disadvantaged background is a struggle, because I want to finish and assist at home, but academic debt holds me back and exacerbates poverty. Through Imbewu, my debt is reduced… The fund is not going to waste; it is investing in our future and it plays a role in transformation and poverty elimination.” This fund continues to bridge the gap for students who are hardworking, committed, and deserving, but who simply need that one supportive hand to keep moving forward.

No Student Hungry Programme

The No Student Hungry (NSH) Programme ensures that students battling food insecurity can continue engaging in their studies with dignity and focus. For many students, this support offers more than just food, it brings stability, focus, and the reassurance that they are not alone on their academic journey. NSH has, over the years, become one of the university’s strongest symbols of care and collective responsibility.

Feral Cat Programme

Beyond human support, through the Feral Cat Programme the UFS invests in humane and sustainable care for the feral cat colonies across its campuses. By feeding and sterilising the cats, the programme ensures a healthy, stable population and reduces risk to wildlife and the campus environment. This work is grounded in compassion, demonstrating that care extends to all living beings within our ecosystem.

Looking ahead to Giving Tuesday

On Monday and Tuesday morning, the Institutional Advancement Office and representatives from the three programmes will be present at key campus gates across our three campuses to raise awareness and engage with the university community. Their presence aims to encourage conversations, build understanding, and remind us of the difference these initiatives make every day.

On these two days, we encourage staff, alumni, and friends of the university to contribute to any of these programmes. Every contribution strengthens the well-being of our students and our campus community.