At one of Africa’s top universities, a quiet crisis persists: student hunger. From March 5 to April 15, 2026, the Stellenbosch University (SU) community is coming together for the annual #GivingMaties campaign—a 40-day sprint to ensure that no student has to choose between a meal and their degree.
Beyond Crisis Aid: A Sustainable Solution
This year’s campaign shines a spotlight on #Move4Food, a student-led initiative born in 2018. Unlike one-off donations, this program provides stabilizing, practical support through:
- Direct food allowances for students in financial hardship.
- Supermarket vouchers for autonomy and dignity.
- Sponsored campus meals and donor-funded food parcels.
In 2025 alone, SU provided over 700 instances of support, proving that consistent access to nutrition is the foundation of academic success.
“Hunger makes it hard to concentrate and stay healthy. If we are serious about student success, we must be serious about addressing hunger.” — Alwin Mabuza, Campaign Ambassador.
The Road to Giving Day: Mark Your Calendars
The campaign isn’t just about clicking a “donate” button; it’s about community action. From the Tygerberg campus to the Rooiplein, here are the key events leading up to the grand finale on April 15:
| Date | Event | Location/Details |
| March 5 – April 15 | 40-Day Drive | Online fundraising and “Champion” sign-ups. |
| April 10 (11:00) | Tygerberg Activations | Fun community events at Tygerberg Campus. |
| April 14 (17:00) | Forest of Giving | Decorated trees and live music on Victoria Street. |
| April 15 (12:00) | The Pokkel Dash | Faculty & society challenges on the Rooiplein. |
| April 15 (17:00) | The Amazing Chase | Go-cart races and team challenges on SU sports fields. |
How You Can Change a Life Today
You don’t need to be a high-net-worth donor to make an impact. Every rand contributed by alumni, staff, and students adds up to meaningful relief.
- Become a Champion: Sign up at GivenGain to start your own fundraising sub-page.
- Donate Directly: Every contribution goes straight to the #Move4Food initiative.
- Show Up: Attend the on-campus events to show our students that the Matie community cares.
