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Students play leading role to ensure food security

17 June 2020 | Story Dr WP Wahl

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) prioritises innovation to meet the challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition among students. To this end, several student volunteers and student governance structures are collaborating with the DSA on various initiatives.

During 2019, various conversations were held about the possibility of creating a health-promoting food environment at the UFS where students and staff are well informed and empowered to take appropriate action regarding their food and nutritional needs. These conversations resulted in an institutional strategy to address the food environment at the UFS. Student representatives serve on a technical committee that directs the implementation of this strategy. In this regard, several initiatives have already been launched.

Students from residences and other student communities have planted vegetable gardens on the Bloemfontein Campus with the assistance of KovsieACT and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Students and staff are already harvesting and distributing vegetables to needy students every week. Measurements were put in place to continue this during the COVID-19 period. The following vegetables were planted: spinach, cabbage, beetroot, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.

Food parcels, donated by Tiger Brands and Gift of the Givers, are continuously handed out by DSA staff and student volunteers. In this regard, 540 food parcels have already been handed out on the Bloemfontein Campus during the COVID-19 period alone. During the same time, 117 students received food parcels on the Qwaqwa Campus. The innovation of this food parcel project rests on the fact that business, NPOs, UFS students, and DSA staff are collaborating to address food insecurity and malnutrition.

More collaborative initiatives will be implemented over the next 12 months. The DSA staff and students are already working with the Department of Dietetics and Consumer Sciences to create information packages about the preparation of low-budget nutritious meals.

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UFS Qwaqwa Campus celebrates student excellence

2010-10-29

Dr Elias Malete, Campus Principal, with Ms Makakane

Christmas came early for the student community of the University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus). This after the Chairman of the Phuthaditjhaba-based Salemane Holdings, Mr Mei Salemane, announced a three-year sponsorship deal for the campus’ Student Affairs Excellence Awards during the prestigious awards ceremony held recently.

“We fully understand from experience that a lot of young people are from disadvantaged families, which hamper their development in most cases. We are not any different from them; that is why we vow to make a difference by pledging our support by sponsoring these awards for the next three years at a tune of R150 000 annually,” said Mr Mei whilst handing over cash prizes to the value of R28 000 to the best-performing students in the four faculties.

In response, the Director of Student Affairs, Mr Teboho Manchu, acknowledged the role that local businesses can play in supporting higher education.

“We wish to thank Salemane Holdings and other sponsors for giving recognition to young men and women for their achievements,” concluded Manchu.

Awards issued on the day covered a wide range that included academic performance as well as for sporting and cultural excellence.

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