The start of the academic year can be a challenging time for many students, especially those waiting for financial aid disbursements.

This year, Student Life on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus partnered with Checkers Sixty60 to provide relief to students facing food insecurity through a special food parcel initiative.

The partnership began when Checkers Sixty60 approached Student Life via Puso Kgosingwe, the campus radio station manager, who connected them with Makhotso Mosikidi, a senior administrative officer at Student Life and the driving force behind many programmes supporting students.

Initially, the company wanted to set up a promotional stall during the Reception and Orientation period. However, Makhotso and her team suggested a more impactful approach: distributing care packages to students who needed them the most.

“At the time, many students had not received their NSFAS allowances,” Makhotso explains. “The care packages were meant to help them bridge that gap and ensure they had access to basic groceries.”

The initiative was a resounding success, with 4 000 food parcels distributed to students across the NWU. Unlike many targeted programmes, the parcels were open to all students, ensuring that both NSFAS-funded and self-paying students who could not afford basic necessities benefited. “The number of packages was more than enough for the targeted students,” Makhotso says, highlighting the inclusivity of the programme.

Chris Williams, director for student life on the campus, praised Makhotso’s unwavering dedication and vision. “Makhotso is the kind of person who turns compassion into action. Her tireless work to support our students goes far beyond her official duties, and this initiative is a perfect example of her leadership and heart for our campus community,” he said.

“Our students face challenges that go beyond academics. Hunger, financial stress and mental-health struggles can significantly impact their success. By partnering with organisations like Checkers Sixty60 – and with leaders like Makhotso driving these efforts – we can address these challenges in a practical, meaningful way.

“It is not just about providing food parcels. It is about creating a support network where students feel valued and cared for. We want every student to know that the university, and heroes like Makhotso, are behind them,” added Chris.

“Food insecurity is a serious issue that affects not just nutrition but also academic performance and mental health,” says Makhotso. “Initiatives like these help students focus on their studies without the stress of worrying about where their next meal will come from.”

While this was a once-off initiative, Checkers Sixty60 has expressed interest in exploring a long-term partnership with Student Life.

Chris Williams, director for student life on the Vanderbijlpark Campus, and Makhotso Mosikidi (in the middle), with students who received Checkers Sixty60 food parcels.