Inequality in Tertiary Education: The Case of Hungry Students in South Africa

Education is seen by many people, especially in the global south, as the route out of poverty, towards development and social mobility in society. However it has become apparent that many students at South African universities do not have enough food to eat on a daily basis. Much research, mostly in North America and Europe, has focused on the role of nutrition in learning capability and learning behaviour, and it is generally acknowledged that a healthy diet contributes to successful learning and performance.  On the other hand, little seems to be known about food consumption patterns and the extent of hunger among students in developing countries. Research has been conducted, within a quantitative and qualitative framework, on the phenomenon of “hungry students” at the University of Johannesburg over the past few years. Since becoming aware of the problem in 2010, the University management has launched interventions of various kinds to assist students in need, in having at least one balanced meal per day. This paper will trace certain demographic and other characteristics of “hungry” students at the University of Johannesburg campus, as well as outline the institutional interventions undertaken to alleviate the problem. At a national level, the government, while cognisant of the problems experienced by tertiary students, particularly given South Africa’s apartheid history, has appointed a committee in 2010 to review the provision and conditions of student housing at South African universities. Their report included a section on a budget meal plan for students.