?Rugby legend Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira is putting his weight behind Stellenbosch 肆客足球's (SU) Annual Social Justice walk on Sunday, 16 June 2024 when Prof Thuli Madonsela, Director for the Centre for Social Justice, and Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector, and Vice-Chancellor, will once again lead a group of walkers from Stellenbosch to Kylemore to raise funds and awareness for student debt.
With a firm commitment to leaving no one behind, the SU #Action4Inclusion crowdfunding initiative, a key component of the 肆客足球's Bridge the Gap annual fund, is a top priority for SU. It's a crucial step towards ending student debt and unlocking students' potential, enabling them to actively contribute to our country's development.
"Despite NSFAS funding, we fundraise every year, and some of us pay from our pockets to keep disadvantaged students at university. They are the so-called 'missing middle' students. At the beginning of the year, we faced a brutal accommodation shortage in which we had to provide students with food from our pockets and a few donations," said Prof Madonsela.
"Please join us with Tendai "Beast" Mtwarira on 16 June 2024 as we walk to raise funds to eradicate student debt and highlight the plight of students. While the government needs to improve education funding, we, too, need to play our part. In the spirit of Ubuntu and related ecosystem investment, let's join hands to ensure no student is left behind," said Prof Madonsela.
As a fundraiser for the #Action4Inclusion campaign, this event offers a chance to support social justice in light of the turbulent past of our nation, attempting to recognise historical injustices and encourage fresh inspiration, hope, and cooperation amongst all stakeholders.
"The Annual Social Justice Walk embodies our collective commitment to a just and inclusive society. This event is a fundraiser to end student debt and a testament to our commitment to social justice, unity, and the empowerment of all students. Together, we can bridge the gap between talent and financial need, creating opportunities for every student to reach their full potential and contribute to the development of our country. As we tread the paths of Stellenbosch, we remember the past injustices and affirm our dedication to a future where every individual can thrive. This walk is a testament to the power of unity, empathy, and action in bridging divides and building a community where all can belong. Together, we are taking steps toward a brighter, more equitable future. Join us for the #Action4Inclusion Social Justice Walk, a powerful journey of reflection and hope. As we walk from the Die Stal through the historical and beautiful landscapes of Stellenbosch, we acknowledge past injustices and work towards a brighter, more inclusive future," said Prof de Villiers.
Tendai who now also serves as one of the members of the Council of Social Justice Champions (COSOC) of the Musa Plan for Social Justice, is an international Rugby legend and was a professional athlete for seventeen years. His size and strength earned him the moniker 'Beast'. He would go on the be the most capped player for the Sharks, the most capped springbok prop, a multiple winner in local and international leagues and earn the biggest prize in the sport, the 2019 Rugby World Cup trophy.
This year, the group will start walking from the Alumni Clubhouse, Die Stal at Coetzenburg at 08h00.
To take part, please buy your tickets at Quicket: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/262372-social-justice-walk#/
For enquiries, please contact: Thembalethu Seyisi – tseyisi@sun.ac.za / 0727853218?
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