“Can We Contribute?”: University Friends Feed the Homeless With NSFAS Allowance, SA Moved

• A group of university students touched the hearts of South Africans after using their allowance to feed the homeless
• The clip posted on TikTok showed the group preparing large meals and sorting clothing donations in marked plastic bags at their residence
• Social media users were deeply moved by the selfless gesture, with many offering to contribute donations or join the students in their charitable efforts
• Briefly News spoke with University of Johannesburg student Luhle Mgandela about the video of the students using their NSFAS allowances to feed the homeless

University students from Johannesburg proved that you don’t need to be wealthy to make a difference with their display of community spirit. The youngsters turned their residence into a hub of hope for the less fortunate. Posted

The video was shared on TikTok by user @missprettyface1 on 9 March 2026, capturing the busy atmosphere as they came together to prepare the food and organise the clothes for their local outreach initiative.

Read also

"Your work is beautiful": Interior decorator gives client's bedroom the ultimate glow-up, SA wowed

The creator filmed as her friends arrived, bringing bags to begin the task. They immediately started preparing food in large pots, while other members of the group sorted out clothing items into plastic bags marked with stickers. In addition to the warm meals, the group prepared juice to accompany the food. Once the cooking was complete, they packed the meals into disposable containers and even dished up portions for themselves to enjoy together.

Students organise a massive food and clothing drive

Before heading out to hand out the food and gifts, TikTok user @missprettyface1 and her friends gathered in the residence foyer for a moment of reflection. They held a prayer, seeking a blessing for their mission and those they were about to serve. The initiative was made possible through the careful budgeting of their NSFAS allowances, which the group decided not to spend only on themselves.

Watch the TikTok video below:

Small acts of kindness on campus

The Briefly News team reached out to Luhle for her thoughts as a fellow student on the selfless acts seen in the viral clip and how it has inspired her

We asked what her thoughts were about seeing the students using their NSFAS money to buy food for the homeless. She responded:

“I was deeply moved. As a student, I know how tight our budgets are and how much we rely on those allowances for our own needs. To see them put the hunger of others before their own comfort is a beautiful example of the spirit of Ubuntu.”

Read also

"Need to try this": Man has SA drooling after giving review of the new Speckled Eggs McFlurry

The team asked the BCom student what her take was on the way the students managed their limited resources to help others.

“It shows that budgeting is not just about numbers; it is about priorities. They proved that even with a small amount, you can make a big impact if you plan well. It is a lesson in financial discipline and compassion that we can all learn from.”

When asked if the clip changed the way she thinks about her role as a student in the community, Luhle responded:

“Yes, it did. It motivated me to do my bit to help others. We sometimes think that we need to be rich to make a difference, but this video showed me that even a student can be a hero. It has pushed me to look for ways to give back where I am.”

SA loves the generous students

The post gained massive views and sparked an outpouring of support from social media users who were impressed by the students’ maturity and kindness. Many viewers were touched by the fact that the students chose to use their little NSFAS stipend to help people in need. Some offered to help, asking the creator how they could send donations or join them to cook for future hand-outs. Others noted that the prayer session in the foyer was a beautiful touch, commending them for their faith and for leading by example.

Read also

"You'll be humbled one day": Nigerians divided over mum's UK head start claim

User @L E E G U M E D E asked:

"Can I please contribute to the next one and come help out? Are you guys in Johannesburg?"

User @Baby commented:

"I like how you cook something that you would also eat😭."

User @rheajewan added:

"This is what we want to see 😭. Please, let us contribute for next month!"

User @kholiswa shared:

"The fact that you guys did this with NSFAS allowance, yet there are many people out there who earn a lot but can't do this is marvellous 🔥."

User @Alicia S May commented:

"This is so beautiful, I've always wanted to do this when things come into place for me. I always pray to God to show his work through.🙏🏻❤ God bless you, kwande lapho uthatha khona mama (may you receive more) 🥺❤."

User @Gorgeous.rabiie said:

"I love how y’all include a prayer before leaving 🥺."

3 Briefly News articles about acts of kindness

Read also

"The wheel is turning": Afrikaans woman analyses Mel and Peet Viljoen's 'criminal minds': SA debates

• A wealthy businessman pulled up in a helicopter to gift rural kids with stacks of cash and warm generosity, earning much praise online.
• A final-year student bought groceries and toiletries to give to 10 homeless people she saw on the streets of Johannesburg.
• A kind-hearted businessman celebrated his 40th birthday by mentoring five young men whom he flew from different parts of the country, and later treated them to a shopping spree.

Source: Briefly News