“VUT’s Food Drive Initiative returns to fight student hunger. Through the joint efforts of the SRC, Welfare and Victim Empowerment Centre, and local partners, 110 unfunded students received grocery vouchers to help them through exam season.”
10 November 2025 | Story: Thabisang Thebeeapelo | Photo: Peter Masela
2 minutes read time.
On 5 November 2025, the Welfare and Victim Empowerment Centre at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), in partnership with the Student Representative Council (SRC), launched a compassionate Food Drive Initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged and unfunded students during the examination season.
The initiative, which unites the university community and local partners, also sought to recognise the continued support of service providers and landlords in the Vaal area who have assisted students facing financial hardship. Through this collaborative effort, 110 students each received a R500 grocery voucher, redeemable at Pick n Pay, to help them purchase food and essential items as they prepared for their final examinations.
According to the SRC, the VUT Food Drive began as a small-scale effort between the SRC and the Victim Empowerment Centre to address food insecurity among students. Over time, it has grown into a coordinated partnership drawing on the goodwill of various service providers and community stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Ms Faith Mocoancoeng, Manager of VUT Primary Residences Accommodation, expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the initiative.
“We would like to thank all service providers who came in handy when we cried out loud to support our disadvantaged and unfunded students,” she said. “Your generosity ensures that no student goes hungry during this crucial academic period.”
One of the student beneficiaries, Ms Tshegofatso Makhado shared a moving message of gratitude: “We would really like to extend sincere appreciation to the sponsors and organisers who made this possible. At the same time, we plead for continued support towards our tuition and accommodation, as many of us owe more than R100,000 in fees.”
The VUT Food Drive 2025 not only provides much-needed relief but also reinforces the spirit of compassion and collective responsibility that defines the VUT community. It highlights the transformative impact of collaboration between the university, local businesses, and the broader community, ensuring that students can focus on their academic success without the added burden of hunger or financial distress.