Stellenbosch University (SU) is once again rallying staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University to come together for SU's annual #GivingMaties campaign, running from 6 March to 16 April 2025. The campaign aims to raise funds for bursaries, student meals, and student debt.
Funds raised during the campaign will go towards SU's Annual Fund, BridgeTheGap (BTG), which supports initiatives designed to address the most pressing needs of students. These initiatives include:
#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.
“With a target of R2 million, we are encouraging everyone to participate by fundraising, spreading the word, and donating. If each person fundraises R100, this goal will be met and countless students will benefit," says the GivingMaties organiser at SU's Development and Alumni Relations Division (DAR), Viwe Benxa,
Season of giving
Benxa explains: “If you've participated in previous Giving Days, you'll notice that we're doing things differently this year. We're expanding the event into a 'season of giving', allowing you plenty of time to support our students. The season will culminate on Giving Day, set for 16 April, which will feature a series of social events across SU campuses."
Giving Day events
Here's a look at the events happening during the Giving Day 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 Faculties 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.
Addressing the need for student support
With the rising cost of education, many students are grappling with the harsh reality of debt and food insecurity. #GivingMaties directly addresses these challenges by raising funds for students in need.
“#GivingMaties is more than just a fundraising campaign; it's about coming together as a community to ensure that every student can succeed. Whether it's donating, fundraising, or simply sharing the campaign with others, every effort counts," says GivingMaties ambassador and fundraiser at DAR, Alwin Mabuza.
What can you do?
- Select: Click HERE and select the #GivingMaties initiative you want to support.
- Share: Share your group's unique QR code and link with your networks.
- Fundraise: Encourage donations from your friends, family, and wider network.
By sharing this link with your networks, you will collect donations that go directly to the cause. Remember, every contribution, whether big or small, counts.
Questions? Visit www.matiesgivingday.com or contact us at giving@sun.ac.za.
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