About 10,000 students will need food support at UWC this year. A spokesperson for the University, Gasant Abader, says they’ve launched the Feed the Need campaign to this effect. He says this is a focused call for assistance to ensure that hunger does not undermine students’ chances of success.

“The academic year begins with hope, ambition and the promise of opportunity. Yet for thousands of students, this period is also marked by hunger – a reality that threatens learning, academic success and student wellbeing.”

About 10,000 students will need food support at UWC

Abader says student hunger is not an abstract challenge. He says it’s immediate and deeply personal. It affects concentration, attendance, retention and the ability to complete a qualification. He says between February and April, their students are most vulnerable as the academic year commences and they settle into campus life.

He added, “Nutrition is essential for learning, and without it, even the most capable students are placed at an unfair disadvantage.”

Uphold the dignity of students while meeting their basic needs

According to a press statement, to meet this need, the University estimates that approximately R7,4-million in food is required to support affected students for about two months. Abader says contributions may take the form of cash donations or non-perishable groceries. This will allow the University to respond flexibly and at scale.

“UWC recognises that hunger carries stigma, and every effort is made to uphold students’ dignity while meeting their basic needs.”

He says that all assistance is delivered in a dignified and discreet manner and will protect students’ privacy and ensure that support is experienced as care rather than charity.

A first-year student from a rural village tells his story

For Gerhard*, a first-year student from a rural village in the Northern Cape, arriving at UWC represents both hope and uncertainty. His family made significant sacrifices to send him to university, believing that education would open doors not only for him but also for those back home who depend on him.

“Student hunger is not an abstract challenge. It is immediate and deeply personal, affecting concentration, attendance, retention and the ability to complete a qualification.”

In the first weeks of the academic year, however, the reality of student life set in. Gerhard will have to attend lectures on an empty stomach for days. He dreads sitting in class, struggling to concentrate while hunger sets in. Right now, it is a quiet and isolating experience, but he is aware that many of his peers are also facing similar experiences.

Through UWC’s food support programme, Gerhard will receive a simple but nourishing meal of rice, beans, and vegetables — sufficient to restore his energy, improve his concentration, and reaffirm his sense of belonging at the University. More than nourishment, the meal affirms that he is seen, valued, and that his presence at the University truly matters.

*Not his real name

Abader says, “Stories like Gerhard’s are not isolated. They reflect the lived experience of thousands of UWC students navigating the gap between enrolment and financial aid disbursement.”

MORE INFO: Watch: SRC President, Mcntosh Khasembe

Food collection boxes are available

The University has called on staff, alumni, corporates, philanthropic organisations and members of the public to stand with students during this vulnerable period. Food collection boxes will be placed in faculty offices and at building entrances such as the library and administrative buildings. You will also find boxes at security offices at the main university entrances, and at other clearly visible and easily accessible points across campus.

“Each contribution — whether financial or in kind — directly supports students’ ability to remain engaged in their studies and to persist toward graduation.”

MORE INFO: Watch: Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Robert Balfour

Feed the Need: At a Glance

->  Student hunger is immediate and affects learning and academic success.

->  Nutrition is essential for retention and graduation.

->  Approximately 10,000 students require support for about two months.

->  Approximately R7,4 million worth of food is required over the two months.

->  Donations may be cash or non-perishable groceries.

->  Support is delivered in a dignified and discreet manner.

“Nutrition is essential for learning, and without it, even the most capable students are placed at an unfair disadvantage.”

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape has launched a campaign to mobilise formal objections to several newly gazetted geographical name changes, arguing that communities were not properly consulted and that government priorities are misplaced.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture confirmed that a number of approved name changes have now been published in the Government Gazette, triggering a one-month formal objection period during which members of the public may submit representations.

The changes include East London to KuGompo City, Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town, Aberdeen to Xamdeboo, Adendorp to Bishop Limba, and Barkly East to Ekhephini.

DA claims communities were misled

DA spokesperson for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in the Eastern Cape, Leander Kruger, said the party believes Minister Gayton McKenzie misled residents about the future of some of the name changes.

Kruger claims the minister previously indicated that the Graaff-Reinet name change would not be approved because other priorities needed attention, yet later signed off on the change along with several others.

The DA says it is seeking clarity from provincial and national naming committees on how proposals it believes were previously rejected have now progressed to the gazetting stage.

Organising formal objections

With the objection phase now open, the DA says it will assist residents in submitting legally compliant objections within the prescribed timeframe. According to the party, it will distribute template objection letters and make online forms available for those unable to visit in person.

“All completed objections will be submitted to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture within the prescribed one-month objection period,” Kruger said, urging as many residents as possible to participate.

Concerns over consultation and priorities

While the DA says it supports reconciliation and nation-building, it argues that name changes should not be “forced or poorly consulted”. The party maintains that meaningful dialogue and community support are essential when decisions affect the identity and heritage of towns.

It also questioned whether government resources should instead be focused on pressing service delivery challenges. The DA pointed to issues such as failing infrastructure, unemployment and unreliable basic services in towns affected by the changes, including East London, Barkly East, Graaff-Reinet, Aberdeen and Adendorp.

“Decisions that affect the names, identities, and heritage of our towns and communities cannot be taken without the consent of the people who live there,” the party said.

Government’s position

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has said the approvals form part of a broader national process aimed at transforming South Africa’s naming landscape. The department says the work supports social cohesion, recognises diverse heritage and helps address colonial and apartheid-era naming legacies.

According to the department, the South African Geographical Names Council’s role includes standardising place names and ensuring they reflect indigenous languages, cultural heritage and natural heritage. The renaming of towns and other features is also described as contributing to symbolic reparations and restoring dignity.

With the names now gazetted, the focus shifts to the public participation process, where objections and comments submitted during the official window will be considered before the changes are fully implemented.

The members of the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit in Cape Town, accused of murder and other crimes, may soon return to work in Manenberg.  

This is after the Western Cape High Court on Monday agreed to relax the bail condition preventing the 11 members from entering the area.  

They were granted bail on 30 January, after previously being denied bail. 

The mentioned bail condition specifically noted that the accused could not enter Manenberg in their personal and/or official capacities until the court case had concluded. 

The management of the Western Cape SAPS approached the court last week, arguing that the officers were needed in the fight against gang activity.  

READ MORE:  SAPS argue for AGU 11 to return to work in Manenberg – Smile 90.4FM

According to court documents from 9 February, that bail condition was “discharged only in respect of the order/condition that the appellants may not enter Manenberg in their official capacities”.   

Meanwhile, the remaining bail conditions, including that the accused may not enter Manenberg for any personal reasons, will remain in place.  

The other bail conditions include that they may not directly or indirectly interfere with or interact with the witnesses in the case.  

The group faces charges in connection with the death of an alleged gangster, Wade Price, in December. 

The matter returns to court on 5 March.