The University of the Witwatersrand will be turning 100 in 2022 and one of their goals is to secure R3 billion in new funding by then.
They were given a big boost to achieve this as they recently received a R150-million endowment from alumnus Natie Kirsh as part of his Centenary Campaign to provide scholarships for students. According to Wits, the campaign aims to address the challenge of funding deserving students who come from homes whose families are not wealthy enough to pay their fees and whose cumulative household income excludes them from accessing financial aid. Kirsh of the Kirsh Foundation said, “Wits played an integral role in transforming my life. I am giving back with the hope that Wits can have the same impact in transforming the lives of young people for generations to come.”
The R150-million gift is one of the largest donations that has ever been made for the benefit of the university. Wits vice-chancellor Professor Zeblon Vilakazi said, “The establishment of a substantial student endowment fund will go a long way towards transforming the lives of talented Wits students.” The Centenary Campaign includes the establishment of a substantial student endowment fund, funding for research chairs and centres, and investments in infrastructure and equipment to ensure that Wits continues to advance society.
Outgoing vice-chancellor and principal Professor Adam Habib said, “Wits is a national treasure renowned for its research and academic excellence, and commitment to social justice. It is imperative for all sectors of society to invest in research-intensive universities that have the ability to create new knowledge and to develop the high-level skills required to advance society.”
Kirsh concluded, “I am a proud member of the Wits community and I hope that my contribution encourages my fellow alumni to join me in supporting the Centenary Campaign.” Wits hopes that by guaranteeing more access to quality education at the university, more people and communities will be able to fight inequality, contribute to employment and drive sustainable development.
