Members of the Shofar Christian Church (Shofar) in Stellenbosch have donated over 4 400 food parcels to the students that remain in university and private residences in Stellenbosch during the lockdown period.
Members of the Shofar Christian Church help distribute food parcels to students who remained in Stellenbosch during the national lockdown. Photo: Sias le Roux
Shofar decided to distribute food parcels after being informed by members of their congregation that there was a food crisis, during the first week of the lockdown.
“Students [from] our congregation told us that they don’t have access to their bursaries and that they are struggling with food,” said Sias le Roux, pastor and spokesperson of Shofar in Stellenbosch.
The church wanted to extend a helping hand to show their love for their community, said Le Roux.
Food parcels distributed to students by Shofar Christian Church included milk, porridge, and other basic necessities. Photo: Sias le Roux.
The chairperson of the Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Student Representative Council (SRC), Lewis Mboko, volunteered with the distribution of the food parcels.
“Staying behind was a decision I made so that I could fully support the students that stayed behind in any way,” said Mboko.
According to Mboko, he also assisted in delivering food parcels to SU students that are located in the surrounding areas of Stellenbosch so that students would not need to walk long distances to get assistance.
Shofar Christian Church in Stellenbosch distributed 1 100 food parcels each week to students in Stellenbosch. Photo: Sias le Roux
“Their food has really done a lot for us, especially for the NSFAS students [who] haven’t been able to use their allowances,” said Sidumiso Vuma, a Helshoogte resident.
The church’s efforts are greatly appreciated by the students, said Vuma.
At present 749 students remain in university residences, while an unknown number of students remain in private housing.