Giving is synonymous with Mandela Day, which is celebrated annually on the late Madiba's birthday on 18 July. In the spirit of Mandela Day, Stellenbosch University's (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) have arranged a number of exciting activities to raise funds, food and awareness to address the financial- and food insecurity challenges faced by health sciences students on the Tygerberg Campus.

“Health sciences students are working hard to try and make a difference in the world, but they need our help. The rising cost of food and living expenses have become a growing problem among student populations, and many of our students face financial- and food insecurity on a regular basis," says Felix Spies, Fundraiser and Partnership Manager for the FMHS. In an attempt to alleviate this problem, Professor Karin Baatjes, FMHS Vice Dean: Learning and Teaching, has launched a series of initiatives to raise R67 000 as part of the Faculty's '67 Minute Project' for Mandela Day. “The funds we collect will be used to provide crucial support to students who find themselves in crisis and have exhausted all other means of assistance," says Spies. The fundraising initiatives include, inter alia, a silent auction and cooking experience with celebrity chef Reuben Riffel.

Silent auction

The silent auction will be launched on Mandela Day on 18 July,  and will run until 1 August. During that time, participants will be able to bid on a number of exciting prizes, including a three-night getaway at Steynskraal Guesthouse in Beaufort West, limited release wines from esteemed wineries, including La Motte, De Grendel, and Leopards Leap, and other exciting items and experiences.

“By participating in this exceptional event, you will not only have a chance to win extraordinary prizes, but you'll also be making a significant difference in the lives of deserving health sciences students," says Spies. “Every bid and every donation will be a powerful act of support for these future health care professionals."

Cooking Experience

In addition to the silent auction, a cooking experience will be held on 1 August, where celebrity chef Reuben Riffel will demonstrate how to prepare a delicious meal in just 67 minutes. “This will be a unique immersive experience where you will be able to learn from a master chef, while at the same time supporting a noble cause," says Spies. “To elevate this culinary journey, Leopard Leap will be providing perfectly paired wines, adding an exquisite touch to the entre experience."

The masterclass will take place on Tuesday, 1 August, in the Department of Human Nutrition's state-of-the-art kitchen laboratory on the Tygerberg campus.

“Join us on this remarkable journey of compassion, empowerment, and community. Your participation in the Mandela Day Fundraising Campaign will not only make a difference in the lives of deserving students, but will also leave an indelible mark on the future of healthcare in South Africa. Together we can build a brighter future, one student at a time," says Spies.  

Food donations

You can also show your support this Mandela Day by donating non-perishable food items to the Tygerberg Pantry Project, which provides food items to students facing food insecurity on the Tygerberg Campus.

“The need is great on our campus," explains fifth-year medical student Isabella Turner, who is involved with the pantry project. “Rising food prices and delayed bursary payouts has left many students with a deficit. The Tygerberg Pantry Project offers crucial support to these students."

Non-perishable food items, such as maise meal, pasta, rice, chakalaka, canned soup, bully beef, pilchards, etc. can be donated. Monetary donations can also be made directly to the Tygerberg Pantry Project.