R31 million already raised for the UJ missing middle
AUCKLAND PARK – Students too rich for NSFAS and too poor for University fees get help from UJ in order to pay their fees.
The University of Johannesburg has launched a campaign in support of students who are “too rich” to qualify for NSFAS support, but “too poor” to afford university fees and qualify for commercial loans.
According to Herman Esterhuizen from the department of media relations at UJ, they named the initiative the UJ Missing Middle Campaign. It aimed to raise at least R60 million by the end of this year. A high profile event was held on 25 February where R10 million was generated.
By the morning of 28 February, the campaign already raised R31 million including a personal donation of R200 000 by UJ Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Ihron Rensburg, as well as R100 000 that was pledged by the University’s Student Advisory Council. “The Executive Deans of Faculties at the University have also jointly pledged R550 000 to the the fund.
“Our job is the empowerment of the next generation of leaders for the South African economy, society and governance through academic study leading to concrete, sought-after qualifications,” said Prof Rensburg.
About 5000 UJ students are currently classified as part of this missing middle. Almost all of them have been assisted by the University, that has paid their initial payment for the 2016 academic year. However, these students still require support for the balance of their fees, books and other living needs. “The campaign aims to cover the tuition fee portion of the full year’s costs. The average total cost of a year’s study at UJ currently stands at R85 000 including tuition, residence fees, books and living allowance,” he said.
Prof Rensburg explained that UJ makes a major contribution to the economy of South Africa through the provision of a steady stream of well-qualified and highly motivated individuals able to take up management and leadership roles in the workplace and through research which directly benefits communities and industry.
“In order to continue to be able to play this important role in empowering individuals and their families, UJ is appealing to more businesses and individuals to dig deep and give generously to the campaign,” concluded Prof Rensburg.
Details: UJ, 011 559 2112.
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