Sustainable Development

at STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY

 

Sustainability contributions

SDG 1: No Poverty

SDG 1

No Poverty

Universities have the opportunity and responsibility to address poverty through local and regional intervention, education, and financial support of enrolled students.  

Extreme poverty remains a problem globally and in South Africa. In 2020 global extreme poverty rose for the first time in 20 years, largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, 21.4% of South Africans were living below the Food Poverty Line (also referred to as the Extreme Poverty Line). 

SDG 1 links with many of the other SDGs, and, as a university, Stellenbosch University can drive changes in hunger (SDG 2), education (SDG 4), equality (SDGs 5 and 10), and economic growth (SDG 8). It correlates with the Agenda 2063 Goal 1: A high standard of living, quality of life and wellbeing for all.  

Goal 1

A high standard of living, quality of life and well-being for all

There are a range of programmes at Stellenbosch University that contribute towards SDG 1: No Poverty/Goal 1: A high standard of living, quality of life and well-being for all. More information can be found on the Division of Social Impact’s Platform for SDG 1. 

Wrap-around support for students on donor-funded programmes

In 2023, The Postgraduate Office, the Carl & Emily Fuchs Foundation, the Harry Crossley Foundation, Dell Young Leaders, and the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme have teamed up with SU to offer comprehensive support services through the Student Success Programme. As an institution, we understand that to provide fair and life-changing educational opportunities for every student, we must continue to enhance our wrap-around support for our internal and external partners.  Throughout their academic journey, students can receive academic help from the programme through tutoring, learning communities, financial aid, situational support, job placement, workforce preparedness, and an alumni community membership. It seeks to improve academic achievement through frequent check-ins, financial aid, and support for necessities like tuition and housing. In addition, the curriculum emphasises students’ mental and social health, career readiness, and the development of their professional networks and support systems.

Bridge the Gap and Giving Day 2023

SU believes that any student that has the academic potential to succeed in their studies, should be given the opportunity and support to do so. In 2021, the university established the Bridge the Gap fund to help those students who require support in their residential university life through funding wellness resources and outreach programs and helping SU strike a balance between academic excellence, a cohesive support system and a vibrant Stellenbosch University community. The annual #GivingMaties fundraising campaign is geared towards addressing critical needs among the students at SU. In 2023, the 50-day giving season took place from August to October, culminating in the online Giving Day Celebration on 3 October. Donors could select which programme, team, or fund to donate to, ensuring that they support the programmes that are meaningful to them.