Factors leading to “blesser-blessee” relationships amongst female students: The case of a rural university in Thulamela municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa

Abstract

University life can be a challenging and daunting task to students. Most of them find it frustrating as they have,for the first time, to start to make important decisions about their life and future far away from the guidance of their parents and comfort of their homes. Those who are financially insecure suffer the most both academically, physically and even emotionally. The emergence of blessers seems to be an escaping route for them. This study sought to gain a better perspective on the involvement of female students in the blesser-blessee relationships. Blessers play a vital role in the lives of female students. Those who are involved with blessers seem to be enjoying the benefits and the comfortable life of having someone who buys them food, clothes and shelter. The study used a qualitative research methodology to analyse the data collected amongst the female students who have engaged blessers in order to eke out a living. The findings that emerged from these interviews are as follows: Most students are getting involved with “blessers” mainly for resources or material gain.b The majority of the young females indicated that they wouldn’t be in a relationship with a person who doesn’t support them financially, some indicated that if they would be in a relationship with a person who does not provide for them, they would find an alternative man ( blesser) who will support them financially,

Keywords: Blesser, Blessee, Sugar Daddy, Intergenerational Relationships