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24 August 2022 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied
UFS vegetable garden
A variety of vegetables, including beans, spinach, onions, and carrots, are sheltered in 40 vegetable boxes in the two 300 m² tunnels opposite the Welwitschia Residence on the Bloemfontein Campus.

At the University of the Free State (UFS), research findings have indicated that 59% of students do not know where their next meal will come from. The recent COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the unemployment rate of 34,9%, adding to the likelihood of our students being affected even more by food insecurity. 

One of the initiatives the university has created to address the issue, is a vegetable production and training programme. The purpose of the programme, which was established by the Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development, KovsieACT, and the Food Environment Office, is to teach students how to produce vegetables. 

A variety of vegetables, including beans, spinach, onions, and carrots, are sheltered in 40 vegetable boxes in the two 300 m² tunnels opposite the Welwitschia Residence on the Bloemfontein Campus. Not only is this initiative providing students with fresh produce that supplements the food parcels they receive from the Food Environment Office through the No Student Hungry Project. It also provides them with the opportunity to get involved on a voluntary basis in the food production process, including the planting and harvesting of the vegetables. 

Food production is an important skill in growing one’s own food. Moreover, it is also a valuable skill for students to transfer to their communities back home.

From mid-August through to the end of October is planting season for a number of vegetables. Starting spring on a high note, the Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development, KovsieACT, and the Food Environment Office invited food security activist, Thabo Olivier, to address the university community and provide some valuable guidelines to grow your own food in innovative ways. 

Date: Thursday 1 September 2022
Time: 13:00
Venue: Thakaneng Bridge

Invest in your future and join the event, which will include hands-on harvesting from the vegetables gardens as well as a food demonstration. 

More information: Teddy Sibiya on SibiyaLT@ufs.ac.za at KovsieAct. 

Grow you own vegetables

News Archive

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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