The NWU’s Development and Fundraising department has teamed up with the non-profit organisation Meals on Wheels Community Services (MOWCS) to effect change through a new partnership. The collaboration was launched on Friday 18 July at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, where the spirit of ubuntu was evident. To celebrate Nelson Mandela Day, they hosted a sandwich drive at the Tsebonokeng Hall, serving around 1500 sandwiches to students.
The launch event marked the NWU’s broader commitment to the “Meal-a-Day” project, which provides healthy cooked meals three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each week, 300-500 students across all three campuses of the NWU will benefit from this initiative, which aims to fight the battle against malnourishment.
Supported by other key stakeholders, this collaboration is dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to meals while studying. Staff and students have already shown their generosity through volunteering and donating non-perishable food items. Colleagues at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, including the Director: Student Life and the Bursary Office donated ten thousand and twelve thousand respectively to kick off this vital initiative. These contributions are more than just meals; they bring smiles, energy and hope to students in need.
Partnerships rooting for change
At the launch event, Silvanus Welcome, Director of Development and Fundraising, expressed his gratitude for the partnership.
“Today marks a powerful step in the fight against student hunger. We are proud to be feeding 1500 students as part of the NWU ‘Meal-A-Day’ programme in partnership with Meals on Wheels. This collaboration is about more than just providing meals; it is about offering hope, dignity and support. Together, we are ensuring that no student is held back by hunger on their journey to success.
Boichwarelo Mashishi, the managing director of MOWCS, commended the NWU for opening its doors to work with community organisations to fight hunger.
“Thank you to the NWU for giving us the opportunity to be part of this fantastic initiative. We hope and pray that this partnership will last for years to come and impact many students across all campuses.”
In turn, Mitcheline Williams, a social worker from the Vanderbijlpark Campus Student Counselling and Development department, gave an overview of the daily ‘Meal-A-Day’ programme, saying that it aims to ensure that every student receives the necessary support.
On behalf of the student population, Boitumelo Sebabe, Vanderbijlpark Campus Student Representative Council (SRC) Fundraising and RAG officer, expressed her deepest gratitude to MOWCS and the Development and Fundraising Office.
Creating a culture of giving
The NWU is setting up permanent drop-off points where staff and students can donate non-perishable food items. The goal is to sustain the Meal-a-Day programme and encourage a university culture rooted in caring and compassion. For more information or to contribute, please contact Mr Sbusiso Gwala at NWUFundraising@nwu.ac.za
Mr Silvanus Welcome addressing the crowd in a collective effort to fight student hunger
NWU Mascot, Eagi, having fun with students in celebration of this partnership
Several students shared their heartfelt thanks after receiving their sandwiches
Meals on Wheels team and NWU officials at the launch event, sharing a common goal
