??Have you made your contribution? Shared the message? Encouraged others to get involved? Our annual #It'sGivingMaties campaign is in full swing, and we're counting on YOUR support to help us reach our goal.
Running until 16 April 2025, #It'sGivingMaties aims to raise R2 million for bursaries, student meals, and debt relief – ensuring that more students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their financial circumstances.
"With the rising cost of education, many students struggle with the harsh realities of debt and food insecurity. #It'sGivingMaties tackles these challenges head-on to ensure every student has the support to succeed," says Viwe Benxa, #It'sGivingMaties organiser at SU's Development and Alumni Relations Division (DAR).
Season of giving
Benxa explains: “We're doing things differently this year. We have expanded the event into a 'season of giving', allowing you plenty of time to support our students. The season will culminate on Giving Maties Day, set for 16 April, which will feature a series of social events across SU campuses."
Our Rector, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, emphasises the importance of collective action. "I'm inspired every day by the generosity of the Maties community. Financial hardships should never be a barrier to success. I encourage everyone to take part in this season of giving and help us make a lasting impact."
"Thanks to generous support from our community and partners, the campaign is gaining momentum. We're proud to announce that Standard Bank has come on board as a sponsor, further strengthening our efforts to uplift our students, says Alwin Mabuza, #It'sGivingMaties ambassador and DAR fundraiser.
“Since the campaign's launch on 6 March, we've surpassed R70 000 in donations from individual supporters—a strong start toward our R2 million goal. With Giving Maties Day on 16 April fast approaching, now is the time to accelerate our efforts.
“Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. If each supporter raises just R100, we will meet our target and transform countless student lives," he adds.
Funds raised will go to SU's Annual Fund, BridgeTheGap (BTG), which supports initiatives designed to address the most pressing needs of students.
These initiatives are:
#Move4Food – Providing emergency food relief to food-insecure students
#GradMe – Assisting students with unpaid fees to secure their degrees
#CaughtInTheMiddle – Helping students who don't qualify for government financial aid but still can't afford their education
#EndPeriodPoverty – Ensuring all students have access to basic sanitary products
#Action4Inclusion – Supporting students who face financial barriers to registration and accessing their academic records.
Here's a look at the events happening during the Giving Maties celebrations:
Forest of Giving (Tygerberg 9 April and Stellenbosch 15 April)
Stakeholder groups decorate trees on Victoria Street with a student support theme, accompanied by live music performances.
Staff #Groove4Good (16 April, Rooiplein)
Staff divisions compete in a fun dance competition.
The Amazing Chase (16 April, Rooiplein)
Residences and 中国体育彩票 race in creative soapbox cars on the Rooiplein.
Matie Parent Virtual Trivia Challenge (16 April, Online)
Parents of Maties test their knowledge in an online Trivia event.
Show Your Colours (16 April, Social Media)
Alumni are encouraged to wear SU colours to work and share their Maties pride on social media.
Pokkel Dash and Prize-giving (16 April, Coetzenburg)
Students team up to 'rescue' Pokkel from Maties sports teams, ending with a prize-giving ceremony.
What can you do?
- Click here and select the initiative you would like to support.?
