Accommodation service providers are lending a helping hand to students remaining in leased residences by providing them with food parcels.

South Point, one of the biggest providers, has collaborated with the Gift of the Givers Foundation to secure food parcels for students who remain in South Point buildings during the national lockdown. This includes students who are self-funded as well as students who receive NSFAS or other funding and in addition to a food parcel drive initiated by the Department of Student Affairs.

Another large service provider, Park Central, has been offering students in its various buildings food parcels since the early days of the lockdown.   A weekly parcel is given to replenish students’ supplies.

More leased accommodation service providers are pledging to come on board and assist students.

 “We are grateful for the selfless work being done by our service providers, which goes a long way in ensuring students’ needs are met. They are displaying a huge measure of corporate responsibility which we welcome and encourage such gestures to continue post this period as we all have a common goal to serve our clients, (the students) in both good and bad times, “said Phillip Chibvuri, residence finance specialist in the Business Unit.

The Business Unit will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure students receive the necessary support in all spheres of operations. One of the service providers, Student Junction, is scheduled to start providing aid to students in their buildings from today (April 30). 

“More discussions are underway to negotiate business terms with these accommodation providers to reach mutual grounds post the lockdown as new risks will emerge and financial impacts will be felt. We are pleased all our service providers are willing to come to the table to craft and draft ways to reduce any adversities," added Johnny Basson, the business manager in the Business Unit.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The Department of Student Affairs has initiated a food parcel drive to support vulnerable CPUT students during the lockdown.

Deputy Dean of Students, Tulani Nkuntse said they have been working with the Central Student Representative Council in partnership with an NGO, Ithemba Labantu, and staff members to assist 420 identified students who are currently in residences and in need of food and basic essentials. “We have rolled out assistance for the students who have not received their allowances to [this] date, [and] students who are not receiving any form of bursary or NSFAS…and we were clear that this is for students who have no means to support themselves.” 

This initiative has been benefiting mainly the students on the Bellville Campus. Nkuntse said postgraduate students in Cape Town also started a fund to assist students residing in their residences who were identified as needing similar support. “This has also fast-tracked the university’s wider student support programme geared to support our struggling students; the groundwork has begun,” said Nkuntse.

He added that the university has already spent about R200 000 and that the initiative came at a time when the institution had begun looking at various ways on how to build a sustainable programme to support its struggling students. “We believe that this initiative will provide a good foundation for the programme to be implemented in the near future.”

This initiative also received a thumbs up from Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo, who said: “This is excellent beyond measure. This is what social justice and a caring university must do. Well done.” 

Nkuntse added that the university has a number of struggling students and support of this kind was crucial for ‘our’ university. “We are committed to ensuring that we support our students in all ways possible. Good nutrition results in good health and ultimately good academic performance.”

*The Dr Mzamo Jakavula Foundation and Adams Food Stall have also been assisting with cooked meals.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Department of Architectural Technology and Interior Design has made a significant contribution to flood relief efforts in the city by preparing and donating food parcels. The recent severe storms in the Western Cape left hundreds of Capetonians displaced and caused extensive damage to homes.

In response, the department's generous donation was delivered to the Roeland Street Fire Station, a key drop-off point for aid.

Rayner Moodley, Head of the Department, noted that the initiative was spearheaded by academic staff member Tasleema Mohamed. Moodley emphasised the importance of community engagement and the role of academic institutions in mobilising support for those in need.

The station commander expressed deep gratitude for the department’s contribution. Moodley added: "This effort underscores the value of giving back to the community and demonstrates how involving students and academic staff in charitable activities can significantly impact those less fortunate."

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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