Wits reaches R1m target
BRAAMFONTEIN - Wits’ R1 million, 1-month campaign reached its mark recently after an individual donor pledged R553 000 to raise funds to assist the students from poor families who have not been granted funds for studies by the National Students’ Financial Aid Scheme.
Moved by the plight of the students and the initiative, Basetsana Thokoane made her contribution to Wits on 19 February.
In a letter to Wits University and the Wits Students’ Representative Council (SRC) president, Mcebo Dlamini, Thokoane expressed solidarity with the students as she too was a beneficiary of the kindness of others.
“My background is similar to all of you. I was educated by the ANC in exile; I was a proud graduate of Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College in Tanzania and various universities and colleges in the UK through ANC scholarships and support,” she said.
“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.”
Wits University and the Wits SRC together have collectively raised over R1 million.
“The outpouring of support from Wits staff and students, the public and South Africans, has been phenomenal,” says Dlamini. The campaign is ongoing and will continue throughout the year.
Some of the major donors for this campaign include Law firm Norton’s Incorporated (R100 000), individual members of the bar (R260 000), the Oppenheimer Family Trust (R120 000), Wits Deans and Senior Executive staff (R250 000), the academic staff union ASAWU (R500 000) and others.
“The trick now is to sustain the momentum and to continue to raise funds to support these needy students throughout the year,” said Peter Bezuidenhoudt, director of the Wits development and fundraising office.
