If would like to provide support for the #NationalShutDown and #FeesMustFall protests but don’t know how, there is one way you can do so from your PC or phone, wherever you may be: by donating data to the protesters.

During the #FeesMustFall #NationalShutDown protests, reports on Twitter of universities turning off on campus Wifi and students running out of data and money to buy more have inspired many South Africans to support them by purchasing and sending data to help out. Open source whizz, Ruark Ferreira, has created a streamlined process using Google Forms to organise all data donations.

You can use the #FeesMustFall Data donor form to donate a MTN, Cell C, Vodacom or Telkom Mobile data bundle from as little as R19, which buys 100MB of Cell C data.

Once you’ve completed the form, you’ll get access to a Google spreadsheet listing numbers requiring data, and donations are processed via your internet banking or banking app account. You’ll need to have a Google account, of course.

Protesters needing data can request it using the Data Request form to have data sent to their phones. Misuse of this channel for purposes beyond the movement are strictly prohibited and data will be sent only once to each mobile number.

You can also donate through a Bitcoin wallet that’s just been opened; see the code and details at the bottom of the donor form.

By supporting students with data, all the Tweeting, Instagramming, Periscoping and Facebooking needed to help share what’s going on during the protests and keep an account of any violent outbursts can carry on.

//Update

Raurk sends word that more than 30GB of data bundles have now been purchased on behalf of students.

[Image – CC by 2.0/Jennifer Conley]