18 June 2026
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Story Simba Matema
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Photo Supplied
From left to right: Sibabalo Tokwe (Respublica Residence Committee Leader for the ACT portfolio), Thapelo Mlambo (Respublica ACT Subcommittee member), and Lesedi Matjila (Respublica ACT Subcommittee member).
As South Africa commemorated
Youth Day on June 16, the spotlight fell not only on the courage and sacrifices of the 1976 generation, but also on the responsibility of today’s youth to build a more just, inclusive, and compassionate society. While Youth Day remains a time of reflection, it is equally a call to action - one that students at the University of the Free State (UFS) continue to answer through meaningful community engagement initiatives that bring the spirit of ubuntu to life.
On 18 April 2026, Caleb Motshabi Primary School in Bloemfontein became the setting for a powerful demonstration of youth-led social impact when UFS students hosted the Ubuntu Community Street Store. The initiative aimed to address poverty and inequality while restoring dignity to individuals and families in need.
Restoring dignity through community engagement
First conceptualised and implemented by the UFS Rag/Jool Volunteers Committee in 2014, the Ubuntu Community Street Store has grown steadily over the years. The increasing participation of volunteers, students, and community members reflects the expanding reach and impact of this student-driven initiative.
Coordinated by
Kovsie ACT (Active Civic Teaching), the university’s flagship student leadership and civic responsibility programme, in partnership with the
South Africa-Sweden University Forum (SASUF+) student structure, the initiative demonstrated how students can translate values of responsible citizenship into meaningful action.
Designed to empower rather than simply provide assistance, the Ubuntu Community Street Store was implemented in two phases.
The first phase, the Ubuntu Thrift Shop, offered community members the opportunity to browse and select clothing items according to their individual needs at no cost. By creating a shopping experience rather than a traditional donation drive, organisers sought to preserve dignity, promote choice, and foster a sense of self-worth.
The second phase, the Food Station, provided fresh loaves of bread to community members, ensuring that families received immediate nutritional support alongside clothing assistance.
Through these efforts, UFS students demonstrated that the legacy celebrated on Youth Day extends beyond remembrance and into practical acts of service that address societal challenges and uplift communities.
Building sustainable community impact
The Ubuntu Community Street Store forms part of a broader commitment by UFS students to sustainable community engagement.
Kovsie ACT and the UFS SASUF+ student structure also collaborate closely with the UFS Food Environment Office on the Community Gardens Project. These gardens contribute to food security while supporting the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. Maintained by students and community partners, the gardens represent a long-term investment in community well-being and sustainable development.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how student-led projects can create meaningful and lasting change within communities.
Students as game changers
At the heart of these initiatives is a commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
The projects form part of the “Students as Game Changers” mission within the SASUF+ Work Package 3, which encourages students to develop practical, community-driven solutions to pressing social challenges.
“Many people believe that making a difference requires something big or extraordinary. In reality, change often begins much smaller. It starts with a mindset and the willingness to care enough to take that first step,” said Slambee.
“No act is ever too small, and meaningful impact is built over time through consistent, intentional actions driven by a genuine desire to make a difference. This initiative demonstrates how a simple act can create a profound impact. In alignment with the UFS focus on building responsible societal futures, these students have shown what it truly means to lead with purpose and care.”
For Thapelo Nkomo, a final-year Bachelor of Social Science student, the initiative highlights the transformative role young people can play in society.
“This initiative showcases the impact that young people can have in local and international communities. It reflects the mission of our organisations, which is to engage closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, propose solutions, and raise awareness about the 17 goals,” said Nkomo.
A living legacy of youth leadership
The success of the Ubuntu Street Store, together with the ongoing Community Gardens Project, serves as a powerful reminder that the legacy of youth activism in South Africa remains alive and relevant.
Following the commemoration Youth Day, these initiatives demonstrate that social change is driven not only through protest, but also through purposeful service, leadership, and compassion.
The example set by UFS students shows that a more equitable society is built through consistent acts of care, commitment, and collective responsibility. In doing so, they are carrying forward the legacy of previous generations while helping to shape a better future for those who will follow.