Have you ever imagined how it must be to attend lectures on an empty stomach?

Well, students who can’t provide a proper and nutritious meal for themselves every day, are being thrown a life-line thanks to an initiative by several role players.

In the spirit of Mandela Day, staff members from the North-West University (NWU) opened their hearts and wallets in an effort to support the university’s Meal-a-Day Programme.

On 1 August 2017 members from Corporate Relations and Marketing on the NWU’s campus in Mahikeng handed over at least 20 food parcels for the benefit of pre-identified underprivileged students. The donation also included much-needed sanitary towels.

Among those who donated were staff from the Faculty of Commerce and Administration, the Reading Lab at the Academic Development Centre, as well as staff members from the Law Clinic. The Pick n Pay branch at The Crossing in Mahikeng also donated plastic bags.

Mr Donald Molema, newly appointed project manager in the office of the campus’s deputy vice-chancellor, accepted the donation on behalf of the vice-chancellor, Prof Dan Kgwadi.

Donald says it is crucial that the NWU continues to offer support to needy students to enable them to concentrate on their education.

The NWU is constantly on a mission to expand the Meal-a-Day programme by hosting annual fundraising events. This has ensured that a growing number of deserving students continue to receive help.

 Mr Donald Molema (centre) received the donations on behalf of Prof Dan Kgwadi, the NWU’s vice-chancellor. With him (right) is Ms Connie Legodi-Bogatsu who facilitated the donation process, Ms Susan Van Rooyen, alumni coordinator (far left) and NWU staff in the background.