Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has received a Mandela Day donation of R10 000 from The Fix, a youth-focused fashion retailer in The Foschini Group. The funds will go toward the University’s #UdubsCares initiative to address food security and period poverty among students.

In addition to the financial contribution, The Fix donated 360 bags made from offcuts of their locally produced denim range, and durable book bags manufactured from recycled promotional banners.

Brand Marketing Manager at The Fix, Desiree Visagie, highlighted the importance of supporting UWC. “This is important to us as The Fix, with our purpose to ‘do what’s right’. We want to touch students’ lives in ways that matter. It’s not just about finances – it’s access, food security and period poverty. We want to make a difference beyond selling products. We operate in these communities, and it matters to us.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development and Support, Prof Matete Madiba, applauded the relationship and noted the direct impact such efforts have on students’ lives and futures.

Brand Marketing Manager at The Fix, Desiree Visagie, and UWC Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Development and Support, Prof Matete Madiba. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

“To those who are sceptical that we have no leaders, they are wrong. When I see people like you, my heart is filled with hope – not just hope for the future, but hope for today. Poverty can threaten a big dream. Every student who comes through our gates is rich in talent. Our challenge is not talent – it’s to ensure poverty doesn’t stop that talent from blossoming,” said Prof Madiba.

“Higher education is not just an individual good – it’s a social good. The more literate a society, the stronger its economy. And when we support students to rise – whether it’s with books, meals or recycled bags – we invest in our collective future.”

At the handover, Director of Institutional Advancement, Prof Anesh Singh, highlighted the need to collaborate with corporates.

“Fundraising is a core priority of the institution to assist our students. While we give them the basic support to access higher education, we also need to give them the tools to be successful. One of our biggest challenges is period poverty, where students miss out on class simply because they cannot afford sanitary pads to come to class with dignity,” said Prof Singh.

“We must have corporate support to provide this additional assistance so our students can achieve whilst protecting their dignity. I wish to thank the Fix for their support and their belief in UWC as a worthy recipient of their generosity.”