Food insecurity remains a reality at universities across South Africa, where thousands of students from disadvantaged backgrounds miss meals daily, battle hunger, and attempt to learn, concentrate, and succeed academically while studying on persistently empty stomachs.
In 2025, the Daily Maverick reported that between 11% and 38% of South African students face the harsh daily reality of not knowing where their next meal will come from.
René Pelser, Acting Director: Student Life, said, “The UFS developed a Food Environment Strategy aligned with Goal 1 of the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the UFS Strategic Plan, aiming to improve student success and well-being. The NSH food bursary programme is a key component of this strategy, providing vulnerable students with access to daily nutritious meals and ensuring that basic nutritional needs do not become a barrier to academic success.”
In support of this commitment, the MMed/MPhil Committee of the
Faculty of Health Sciences in 2025 introduced an initiative encouraging external examiners to donate a portion of their remuneration to the NSH Programme, further strengthening collective efforts across the university to combat student hunger and promote academic success.
Dr Leriska Haupt, Senior Lecturer in the
Department of Haematology and Cell Biology and the coordinator of the initiative, said, “Most of the members, being regular external examiners themselves, agreed that we often choose to waive fees due to various reasons, so why not do so for a special cause?”
She added: “Within the first year of implementation, eleven external examiners elected to waive their remuneration in favour of a donation to the NSH Programme, exceeding initial expectations. The participation reflects a shared commitment to student well-being that extends beyond formal academic obligations, and we feel proud to be part of a fraternity that still acknowledges the person behind the student and the very real challenges they face.”
The contributions not only provide much-needed financial support but also demonstrate shared responsibility and collaboration between the university and its academic partners.
Pelser said: “These initiatives supplement institutional resources and enable the university to reach more students in need. In addition, the involvement of external stakeholders enhances the programme’s credibility and visibility within the academic community.”
External stakeholders such as the external examiner’s body offer additional capacity and strengthen the UFS culture of care and impact by creating an integrated, institution-wide support system rather than isolated, reactive interventions.
“This reassures students that they are valued members of the university community and that their challenges are recognised and taken seriously,” Pelser said. “The support affirms that they are not alone and encourages a sense of belonging, motivation, and hope, enabling students to focus on their studies and personal development without the burden of food insecurity.”
The bursary is awarded to students based on predetermined criteria that focus on the degree of financial need and vulnerability. Successful students will also be required to participate in volunteer work within the UFS Food Environment Office. Staff, alumni, and partners can support the programme through donations, volunteering, and participation in initiatives that help ensure no UFS student studies while battling hunger.
Click
here to apply for the bursary.