South Africa: UCT Food Bank Offers Science Students Peace of Mind

What the report says

A volunteer-run food bank at the University of Cape Town’s science faculty is helping students who struggle to afford groceries, according to GroundUp, which was distributed by AllAfrica. The initiative, called Student Outreach and Support (SOS), was started in 2024 by faculty student development officer Mohammed Kajee and is funded entirely through donations. It operates on campus like a small shop, allowing students to choose the items they need rather than receiving a fixed parcel.

GroundUp reported that SOS has supported more than 70 students since it began, including some postgraduate students, and that 48 students were using the service this year. The report said the project began after Kajee encountered students facing severe food insecurity, including one who said they had not eaten for days. The initiative expanded as more students became aware of it and now works with student volunteers. It has been formally recognised by the science faculty, although it remains independent of the university.

The article links the food bank to wider concerns about student hunger and funding gaps, especially around the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Several students interviewed said the support helped them continue studying, while UCT also said it runs its own monthly grocery-pack programme through the Department of Student Affairs. The broader issue matters because food insecurity can affect concentration, attendance and academic progress, particularly for students balancing tuition, living costs and family responsibilities.