UWC ‘Fairy Godmother’ supports struggling students through everyday donors

For many students, the academic year begins with familiar struggles: fees, accommodation, and then food.

At the University of the Western Cape (UWC), those pressures are pushing some students to the brink, with even small costs becoming barriers to learning.

But a quiet network is stepping in.

An anonymous lecturer (known only as ‘Jessica’) runs the UWC Fairy Godmother initiative, connecting students in need with people willing to help, often with amounts as small as R60.

Small costs, big consequences

Jessica says the idea was sparked by a single case of a student who missed an exam because he could not afford the R60 taxi fare.

“That R60 was standing between him and passing his course,” she said.

She believed others would have helped if they had known; that belief proved correct.

Over nine years, the initiative has connected students with donors willing to cover small but critical expenses, from transport and textbooks to toiletries and groceries.

Growing demand, shrinking means

The need has surged, said Jessica, and requests have become overwhelming, especially in 2026.

“We had so many requests at the beginning of the year that I had to stop accepting new ones. It’s the first time in nine years.”

Many requests are for basics such as groceries near month-end, toiletries, or taxi fare to campus.

Often, it’s less than R300, but for students already stretched by bursaries and grants, even that is out of reach.

Hidden costs of studying

The pressure goes beyond tuition.

Students budget carefully, but unexpected academic costs still catch them off guard.

Items like scrubs for practical exams, printing, or registration fees can force impossible choices.

“They are highly intelligent students. They do the budgeting,” Jessica said.

“But these hidden costs, they still can’t cover. They have to choose between that and eating.”

How the ‘Fairy Godmother’ works

The initiative connects registered UWC students with donors for small, university-related expenses, typically up to about R300.

There is no central fund; instead, donors pay students directly, ensuring transparency and preserving dignity.

Students submit requests detailing what they need, how much it costs, and a short personal story. They also provide their student number and banking details, which are only shared with the matched donor.

Donors can choose a specific student or simply fund the next request in line.

A direct link between need and help

Jessica says the model is designed to remove barriers.

“There is no middleman. You know exactly where your money is going.”

The response has been strong.

In one recent case, a student requesting groceries received two donations of R300 from UWC staff members.

“Thank you very much. I will be able to buy food,” the student wrote in response.

A system under strain

Despite the generosity, the backlog remains.

By April, the initiative was still working through requests submitted in February.

The scale of need reflects broader financial strain among students, where even small expenses can derail academic progress.

How it works

If you are a registered UWC student and need help with a university-related expense — such as a textbook, travel costs or printing credits — you can send a private message to the Fairy Godmother with the following:

1. Your request and the cost. For example: “I need a course reader for ABC123, and it costs R75.”

2. A short background about yourself. Include where you live, what you are studying at UWC, and what you hope to achieve.

Share something that sets you apart from the many requests received to help attract a funder quickly.

3. Your student number. This will not be shared publicly.

4. Your banking details, or those of a trusted friend or family member:

*Account holder’s name (especially important if your Facebook name differs)

*Account number

*Bank name

*Branch name

*Branch code

*Type of account (cheque or savings)

A full set of details is required to process payment — an account number alone is not enough.
(This information will not be shared publicly.)

Do not send a photo of your bank card. Please type out all details clearly so they can be copied and shared with the funder.

5. An image to include in your post. This could be a photo of the textbook you need or the taxi you take to campus. Including a visual helps draw attention to your request.

If you are a potential funder

1. Take note of the student you would like to assist, for example: “student 1234”.

2. Contact the Fairy Godmother via private message on the page, indicating which student you want to support. If you do not have a Facebook account, you can email fairygodmotheruwc@gmail.com.

3. The Fairy Godmother will respond with the student’s banking details. Please make the EFT payment as soon as possible, as many requests are urgent.

4. Send proof of payment to fairygodmotheruwc@gmail.com.

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For more detailed information, listen to Jessica on CapeTalk using the audio player below: