Walter Sisulu University’s Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) celebrated World Food Day with a powerful message of dignity, sustainability, and action. Through the GreenGrow project, students and staff came together at the Mthatha Campus to raise awareness about food insecurity and promote student-driven solutions that are shaping a more food-secure future.
Key Takeaways
- Food security and sustainability took centre stage at WSU’s World Food Day celebration, with the GreenGrow initiative leading the way.
- The student-led #StretchMyRand project has grown into a full university-wide movement supporting green innovation and survival strategies.
- WSU leadership, staff, students, and community members, including Baziya Farmers Organisation, attended and supported the campaign.
Their Story
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) observed World Food Day with a vibrant campus event hosted by the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Executive Dean Professor Albert Modi welcomed attendees with a call to recognise the serious global challenge of hunger.
“World Food Day is a day to have fun while being conscious of the challenges that affect food insecurity globally,” said Prof. Modi.
He reminded guests that hunger erodes dignity and is often a result of poverty and limited opportunity. His message was clear: universities like WSU must continue to drive community-focused solutions to tackle these urgent issues.
The Event/Occasion
The centrepiece of the day was the GreenGrow initiative, a student-driven project designed to boost awareness and create real solutions for local food security.
A standout moment came as Prof. Modi reflected on the #StretchMyRand initiative, introduced during the 2024 World Food Day celebration. What started as a small student campaign to extend their food budgets has now evolved into a university-wide sustainability programme.
This year’s celebration included the presence of external guests from the Baziya Farmers Organisation, reflecting the strong connection between the university and surrounding communities.
Community Reactions
Attendees were moved by the message and inspired by the leadership shown by WSU students. The strong presence of staff, students, and external stakeholders reinforced that solving hunger requires collaborative effort and long-term commitment.
The transformation of a student idea into a campus-wide movement has become a symbol of what’s possible when innovation meets purpose.
Prof. Modi ended by encouraging the WSU community to continue building a future where “no one goes hungry.”
