What began as a request quickly became a commitment. In response to MUT’s call for support, Gift of the Givers stepped forward with a decisive and compassionate pledge: to provide fully cooked meals to students for a continuous 10-day period. From 23 January 2026 to 1 February 2026, the organisation committed to ensuring that students would not only be fed but fed well.
By 22 January 2026, Thursday evening, all systems were firmly in place. Through close liaison with Billal Jeewa of Gift of the Givers, planning moved swiftly from intent to execution. Logistics were aligned, numbers confirmed, and delivery schedules finalised; demonstrating the kind of operational efficiency that only comes from long-standing trust and shared purpose. While meal volumes will be slightly reduced on Saturday, 24 January 2026, in line with campus activity levels, the commitment to consistency and quality remains unwavering.
Gift of the Givers will be providing nourishing, dignified food, prepared with care, cultural sensitivity, and variety in mind. Students will be offered well-balanced meal options, including fragrant akhni or biryani; hearty chicken stew served with rice; wholesome bean curry with white rice; and comforting mince in tomato gravy paired with rice.
Commenting on the menu, Mbali Mkhize said, “We are happy that the menu provided is a dignified menu, which shows how Gift of the Givers has ubuntu. They thought carefully about the menu and even asked whether our students would be happy with it, allowing us to remove items they may not be used to.”
Mkhize’s words capture the essence of the partnership: food as an expression of respect, not charity. The consultation on the menu reinforced a shared commitment to student dignity and wellbeing, ensuring that support was not only timely but also thoughtful.
Mkhize said, “The seamless coordination once again underscored the strength of the relationship between MUT and Gift of the Givers: a partnership built on responsiveness, reliability, and mutual respect. In moments where pressure could have overwhelmed systems, collaboration prevailed quietly, efficiently, and always with students at the centre”.