Page 20 - UKZN Foundation AR 2023

Ms Elizabeth Helm Weaver.
in Biological Sciences. Her career began with teaching secondary school biology and science, eventually leading to significant roles at the Natal Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) and the Natal Institute
“It’s deeply concerning to witness the challenges students face with food security. Personally, it’s heart-wrenching to step into a lecture hall, knowing that students are sitting there hungry and having to listen to me,” she remarked. Tappe’s involvement is driven by her belief that no one should have to experience hunger, and she sees addressing food insecurity as essential for students to achieve academic excellence.
Despite her discomfort with public attention, Tappe shares her story to inspire others to support the programme. She highlights the accessibility of getting involved through the UKZN Foundation and emphasizes the importance of fulfilling a social responsibility to work towards greater societal equity. Tappe’s participation in the programme has reinforced her commitment to social justice, creating a continuous loop of engagement and advocacy.
Both Weaver and Tappe stress the critical role of food security in contributing to the overall well-being and academic success of students. They advocate for affordable food outlets and initiatives that ensure students have access to nutritious meals, aligning with the fundamental human right to food. Weaver fondly recalls childhood memories of enjoying Eskimo Pies with her godfather, which now remind her of the stark reality of global food insecurity. Tappe reminisces about her grandmother’s potato soup, a symbol of generosity amid scarcity, which deepens her passion for supporting needy students.
Every contribution, a step toward a brighter future
for Immunology (NII). Weaver’s dedication to scientific inquiry and service to humanity marked her professional journey.
In 1980, Weaver achieved a personal milestone by obtaining her pilot’s license, a passion that took her to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA, where she attended the annual Experimental Aircraft Association convention. It was there that she met her future husband and subsequently relocated to Florida, USA. Despite her move, Weaver continued to honour her South African roots and found fulfillment in volunteering at a local soup kitchen, tirelessly working to feed the hungry and homeless every day. Her compassion extended to advocating for abused and neglected children as a Guardian ad Litem and assisting elderly individuals and animals in need.
Weaver’s involvement with the UKZN Meals for Medics programme stemmed from her awareness of hunger’s impact on a community. Her long-standing connection with UKZN’s Medical School and collaboration on various projects further fuelled her desire to contribute. “When I read about Meals for Medics through the regular emails I get from the University, it was obvious that I had to help. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to contribute something,”Weaver shared. She emphasized the importance of such initiatives in empowering students to focus on their studies without the burden of food insecurity, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
18 UKZN FOUNDATiON ANNUAL REPORT 2023
UKZN ALUMNUS AND STAFF UNITE TO COMBAT FOOD iNSECURiTY AMONG STUDENTS
At UKZN, the spirit of giving back and making a difference in the lives of students is vividly demonstrated by dedicated alumni and staff members. Ms Elizabeth Helm Weaver and Professor Heike Tappe, two inspiring figures, exemplify this commitment through their efforts to address food insecurity among students, ensuring that no one is hindered in their academic pursuits due to hunger.
Elizabeth Helm Weaver: A Lifelong Commitment to Service
Ms Elizabeth Helm Weaver graduated from UKZN in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science Honours in UED and later, in 1980, with a Master of Science
Professor Heike Tappe: Championing Social
Responsibility
Associate Professor Heike Tappe from the Department of Linguistics at UKZN is another dedicated advocate for student welfare. Her research spans
psycholinguistics, cognitive
linguistics, and multilingualism, with a strong emphasis on human rights and the promotion of African languages. Tappe is also involved in the UKZN anti-Gender Based Violence (GBV) task team and is developing a new critical social justice module.
Professor Heike Tappe.
Tappe’s commitment to the food
security programme is deeply personal, stemming from her own experiences of financial struggle during her upbringing.