Stellenbosch University (SU) is calling on all Maties and friends of Maties running the 2025 Comrades Marathon to join the #Move4Maties community and raise funds for students in financial need.
According to Alwin Mabuza, fundraiser in SU's Development and Alumni Relations Division and coordinator of #Move4Maties, more than 50 SU staff members, students, and alumni are expected to take part in the gruelling 90km race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on 8 June. As in previous years, participants are encouraged to join the #Move4Maties team and use their Comrades journey to raise funds for the #CaughtInTheMiddle campaign. This campaign supports students who fall into the “missing middle"— those who don't qualify for assistance from government's National Student Financial Aid Scheme, yet cannot afford the cost of university.
“Our aim is to raise R100 000, which could make a meaningful difference in the lives of several students. By joining the #Move4Maties community, runners can add a powerful purpose to their participation, helping fellow students while pursuing a personal challenge," says Mabuza.
Zoleka Keva, Financial Officer: Debt Collection at SU, says this will be her second time running the Comrades to raise funds for this SU initiative.
“I decided to become a fundraiser because I realised my passion for running could be channelled into creating a lasting impact. When you're out there for hours on the road, you have time to reflect on what truly matters and helping others through this platform felt like the perfect way to give my race a deeper purpose. The sense of accomplishment when you are part of something bigger than yourself, combined with the amazing support you get from the community, is deeply satisfying."
She encourages Maties who are running the Comrades but have not yet signed up as fundraisers to do so.
“To my fellow Maties taking part in the Comrades, you've already invested an incredible amount of effort and dedication. Why not go the extra mile? Becoming a fundraiser adds another dimension to your race day experience. And for those who want to support (the campaign) but aren't running, your donation can literally change lives. You become part of our Comrades journey, and together we can achieve something great."
SU alumnus Siboniso Zungu, who will take part in his eighth Comrades, says he signed up as a fundraiser because “the little that I can contribute may help save the life of someone who might consider committing suicide because of depression brought on by financial difficulties".
Zungu, who is currently employed by the City of uMhlathuze in Richards Bay as a senior engineer in charge of key infrastructure projects under Water and Sanitation Services, also encourages his fellow Matie runners to sign up as fundraisers or to donate to the campaign.
“Let us strive to be the change that society needs and let us help where we can. In Zulu there is a saying 'Izandla Ziyagezana' which means 'one hand washes another'. Let us unite in helping those in need."
Zareena Badsha, who obtained a postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Human Resource Management at SU in 2021 and who works as an HR manager for a collective management organisation, says she will run her fourth Comrades as a fundraiser because #CaughtInTheMiddle resonates with her.
“Growing up my parents and I fell into this category and now, as a working adult, I still fall into this category in terms of funding. So, I would be more than happy if I am able to impact just one student's life and make it a bit easier for them. I am also blessed to have been able to obtain many qualifications from a few South African universities and therefore would always want to give back."
She adds: “I would just like to remind my fellow Matie runners that the commitment, determination and resilience we show towards training for Comrades are the very same qualities that these students exhibit on a daily basis in their studies. By raising funds for them we make it a bit easier for them to persevere and to complete their studies and that in itself is as rewarding and life changing as finishing a Comrades Marathon."
Matie Comrades runners who want to support #CaughtInTheMiddle are encouraged to sign up by 31 May 2025. Here's how you can get involved:
Photographers:
Yvette Harris
Action Photo SA
Siboniso Zungu
