Growing values growing communities

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UP continues to shape a generation of young leaders who understand that true leadership is rooted in service. The Program’s values of humility, empathy, co creation and community upliftment come to life through projects that respond directly to the lived realities around them.

One of the clearest examples of these values in action is the work taking place at Moja Gabedi Garden in Hatfield. What began as a student led initiative has grown into a meaningful community project centred on nourishment, dignity and shared responsibility. Moja Gabedi, a name that speaks to the idea of eating twice a day, reflects the vision of creating a campus environment where no student is left behind.

Driven by an awareness of the growing challenge of food insecurity among university students, Mastercard Foundation Scholars stepped forward to make a practical contribution. Guided by the belief that sustainable solutions begin with collective action, they chose to cultivate fresh produce for students who need support, turning an ordinary piece of land into a space of hope.

The project is led by Mastercard Foundation Scholar Sakhiwo Sukati, working alongside a committed group of Scholars including Lesedi Diphofa, Anna Tendenedzai, Zanele Ntshangana, Lucky Masemola and others. With guidance from mentors Innocent Chauke and Pontsho Masela, the team grows spinach, carrots, cabbages, onions and lettuce using environmentally friendly methods that honour the program’s commitment to stewardship and sustainability.

All produce is donated to the Student Nutrition and Progress Programme SNAPP, which supports students facing hunger. The Scholars have made several contributions during the year, including donations on 30 July, 30 September and 28 October 2025, each delivery adding to a growing effort to support wellbeing on campus. These harvests are not just vegetables; they are a reflection of compassion, teamwork and a commitment to community centred leadership.

The project also reflects the value of Ubuntu, the belief that we rise by lifting others. For the Scholars involved, Moja Gabedi has become both a service activity and a learning space where leadership is practised through collaboration, responsibility and meaningful engagement. It has strengthened their understanding of sustainable development and the power of community driven action.

The partnership between the Scholars Program, the University of Pretoria and SNAPP shows what becomes possible when education, innovation and empathy intersect. Through initiatives like Moja Gabedi, Scholars are demonstrating that change does not always begin with grand gestures; sometimes it starts with seeds, hands in the soil and a shared commitment to making life better for others.

Together they are building communities of care and creating impact that grows from the ground up.