A more effective way to secure funds
BRAAMFONTEIN – Wits University together with the SRC have reached their targeted R1 million in raising funds but they still need more donations for other students.
University of the Witswatersrand (Wits) and the Wits Students’ Representative Council (SRC) have collectively raised over R1 million to assist the students from poor families who have not been granted funds for studies by the National Students’ Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
“We decided to raise money to register these students so that the system does not deregister them while negotiations with the Education Department proceed. We found ourselves sitting with 2 788 students who have to go home because there are no funds for them to continue with their academics, said SRC president Mcebo Dlamini.
“The university told us there were no funds when we opened in January because the Education Department had no money. We then protested, went to the higher Education Department and met with NSFAS representatives but nothing helped.”
The campaign initially aimed to raise R1 million by the end of February and has already reached the target. The funds donated by individuals, the corporate sector, Wits staff and students and trusts and foundations will secure the future of over 2 000 students.
“The trick is now to sustain the momentum and to continue to raise funds to support these needy students throughout the year,” says Peter Bezuidenhoudt, Director of the Wits Development and Fundraising Office.
The latest donation of R553 000 came from an individual donor moved by the plight of the students. Donor Basetsana Thokoane in a letter to Dlamini said, “My background is similar to all of you – I was educated by the ANC in exile, a proud graduate of Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College in Tanzania, various universities and colleges in the UK through ANC scholarships and support. People of these countries and many more did so much for us.
” I will always make sure that young people who work hard are supported to achieve their dreams as so many did with me. The outpouring of support from Wits staff and students, the public and South Africans has been phenomenal,” said Dlamini.
The campaign is ongoing and will continue through the year.
Donations can be made online via www.witsfoundation.co.za or via EFT.
Details: Benji Seitlhamo 0117179707.
