The rector and vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) will be participating in a cycling event in the United Kingdom later this month to raise funds for student hunger.
This was according to Shaun Stuart, the alumni relations manager at SU. Prof Wim de Villiers, along with his cycling team, will participate in the London to Brighton (L2B) Cycle Ride on 19 September. The funds raised will go towards the #Move4Food project, said Stuart.
Prof Wim de Villiers, rector and vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), has previously cycled both the London to Brighton and the Cape Town Cycle Tours to raise funds for Matie students, according to Shaun Stuart, the alumni relations manager at SU. PHOTO: Sourced/Facebook
“I am passionate about ensuring that all Maties students have an opportunity to successfully conclude their studies so that the next generation of Maties also have a chance to shine without facing undue stress,” said De Villiers in a promotional video shared on the Stellenbosch Alumni Facebook page.
Justice Edwin Cameron, chancellor of SU, had plans to participate in the L2B Cycle Ride as well. However, due to South Africa’s position on the red list of countries for travel to and from England, “only De Villiers has been granted access into the United Kingdom (UK). He held a range of meetings and engagements with alumni, donors and institutional partners in Europe prior to his travel to the UK, and thereby fulfils the UK entry requirements accordingly”, according to Stuart.
“We have made a back-up plan for Justice Cameron to still cycle the 55-mile [88.5 kilometer] race distance, but to do it locally, here in South Africa…and thereby still continue to raise funds for Matie students,” explained Stuart. “It is a fluid situation due to the pandemic.”
De Villiers cycled the L2B Cycle Ride with his team in 2019, too, according to Stuart. That year they raised just over €8 000 for the Maties EU/UK Bursary fund, he said.
The #Move4Food programme involves Stellenbosch University (SU) students, staff, alumni, and friends using various fundraising and sporting events to raise funds in aid of student hunger, according to the recent impact report released by the development and alumni relations department at SU. PHOTO: Sourced/Facebook
#Move4Food
#Move4Food has raised over R1.4 million to assist SU students since 2018, according to an impact report released by the university’s department of development and alumni relations at the beginning of August.
“The amount that we raised exceeded our expectations. In this regard, we are always thankful but also surprised at the generosity of our donors and supporters, both in- and outside of Stellenbosch,” said Siya Ndlovu, the peer-to-peer fundraising coordinator at the department of development and alumni relations.
#Move4Food raises funds via donations – they reach donors through advertising on their social media pages, emails to alumni, and meetings with potential donors, said Ndlovu.
The impact report showed that R446 400 was raised during the Covid-19 lockdown, between April 2020 and May 2021.
#Move4Food “highlights the misconception that all students attending university are privileged, when the sad fact is that not knowing where your next meal will come from is a reality for many South African students”, explained Siya Ndlovu, the peer-to-peer fundraising coordinator at Stellenbosch University. The initiative raises money to assist with student hunger. PHOTO: Kirsty Bucholz
“#Move4Food is important in that it makes a significant contribution to upholding the dignity of our students, and supports their health and education,” said Ndlovu.
SU students that are food insecure can apply for #Move4Food funding, after which they will be assessed to determine their financial need, according to Lizzie Witbooi, a social worker at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development at SU.
“I think [the initiative is] really valuable because I understand that it’s not just about feeling hungry – that nutrition is important – but it’s also about what happens psychologically if one has to be worried where your next meal will come from,” said Prof Rachel Jafta, a professor in the department of economics, and a donor to the project.
Prof Rachel Jafta, a professor in the department of economics at Stellenbosch University, explains the importance of food security.
The #Move4Food project was launched in 2018 with the goal to raise funds to help sustain food security initiatives at Stellenbosch University, according to the recent impact report released by the development and alumni relations department. INFOGRAPHIC: Kirsty Bucholz