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Food insecurity is a complex phenomenon affecting numerous South African households. DUT, as a microcosm of South Africa's larger society, is also impacted by this problem. To help alleviate some food insecurity issues of DUT students, the Institution is engaging with civil society partners to assist students who have not received funding or are awaiting funding.
To provide interim support for DUT students in the form of food parcels or vouchers.
If a student does not have food, physical and psychological effects are evident, which, in turn, impact on the academic performance of the student. In counselling, it is difficult to assist with a student's emotional well-being if their physical basic needs of hunger are not met. Not all students are funded by NSFAS, especially in their first year of studies. Students come from rural and povertystricken backgrounds in the hope of becoming the first in their family to obtain a university qualification. Many who have received help from this project have gone on to graduate.
Phakimpilo is a four-month interim programme that assists students with inadequate access to food due to financial constraints and the socioeconomic challenges faced by our society. Beyond food, the programme provides psychosocial and medical support, and encourages students to work towards more sustainable, long-term solutions so that they can become self-sufficient in times of need.
Phakimpilo seeks to address challenges that might hinder the academic success of students. A lack of access to adequate food can have a range of negative effects, including:
A confidential screening process is carried out for students who wish to join the programme, following guidelines set by the programme committee. To qualify, students must not be funded by any bursary or receive an allowance greater than that provided by NSFAS. This safeguards the programme against misuse and ensures accountability for how funds are used, while protecting the dignity and self-esteem of each student. Once screened and approved, beneficiaries remain on the programme for four months and are allocated food vouchers or food hampers, depending on the donations received.
To apply, please prepare the following documents:
Please merge these into a single document and upload it where required. Applicants can also visit the Student Counselling Unit at the J-block, Riverside Campus, or inside the campus clinic at Indumiso Campus. Please note that the programme runs for four months only, funded students do not qualify, and fraudulent documents will result in disciplinary action.
For more information, email phakimpilopmb@dut.ac.za, or download the Phakimpilo flyer.
PROJECT LEADERS, TEAM AND CONTACT DETAILS
