A sea of purple swept across the North-West University (NWU) campuses as students, staff, alumni, donors and partners came together for the Purple Walk, turning the university purple in a powerful show of solidarity with students facing financial challenges.

Held at the Potchefstroom, Vanderbijlpark and Mahikeng campuses, the annual fundraising initiative brought together students, staff, alumni, donors and partners in support of the We Care Fund of the university.

According to Celeste Rossouw, senior manager for market research and data analytics in the Corporate Relations, Marketing and Sport division, the Purple Walk is about far more than simply walking.

“The Purple Walk is a meaningful initiative held on the final day of Giving Week, bringing together students, staff, alumni, donors and partners in a visible demonstration of support for students facing financial challenges. It serves as a symbol of unity, compassion and collective action, reminding us that student success is a shared responsibility,” said Celeste.

The We Care Fund provides financial assistance to final-year students who require support to settle outstanding tuition fees, as well as students who have met all the academic requirements for graduation but are unable to graduate because of unpaid debt.

The three campuses recorded an estimated combined participation of about 260 people. The walk also generated support beyond monetary contributions, with participants donating substantial quantities of non-perishable food items to an approximate value of R10 000. While the final amount raised through the Purple Walk was still being determined, approximately R10 000 had been collected in cash donations, excluding the value of food donations. 

Celeste said the funds raised would make a tangible difference by helping final-year students overcome financial barriers and graduate.

“The We Care Fund has been able to assist approximately 15 students to graduate in 2026,” she said.

For Celeste, the Purple Walk also plays an important role in building a culture of giving at the NWU by creating an opportunity for the university community to demonstrate care and solidarity.

“By participating in the walk, the university community members demonstrate that giving is not only about financial contributions, but also about showing care, solidarity and a commitment to the success of others,” she said.

She added that the initiative raises awareness of the financial challenges faced by some students while encouraging members of the university community to contribute through donations, volunteerism and advocacy.

One of the key lessons from this year’s event, Celeste said, was the power of collective action. The response to both the financial appeal and the call for non-perishable food donations demonstrated the willingness of the NWU community to support students in need.

“Every donation, regardless of its size, contributes to a larger impact and serves as a reminder that meaningful change is possible when people come together for a common purpose,” she said.

The Purple Walk is not a new initiative for the NWU. This year marked the second edition, and it is now an annual event on the university calendar. Celeste said there was room for the initiative to grow, with increased participation being one of the key areas the university would like to see improved in the future.

She expressed her gratitude to everyone who participated, donated or supported the initiative.

“Every contribution, regardless of the size, matters. What may seem like a small act of kindness today can have a profound impact on a student’s future,” Celeste said.

“Together, we are changing lives, creating opportunities and shaping brighter futures.”

Members of the public and the NWU community who missed the Purple Walk can still support students through the Giving Week campaign of the university. Contributions can be made through the NWU Giving platform, which provides several ways to contribute to the  fundraising initiatives of the university.
 

Purple Walk on the NWU Mahikeng Campus

Purple Walk on the NWU Potchefstroom Campus

Purple Walk on the NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus