Wits SRC to raise R1mn for less-fortunate students
JOBURG - THE Wits University Students’ Representative Council is in a race against time trying to raise R1 million to help students who don't have registration fees.
The funds are being raised for students eligible for National Student Financial Aid Scheme assistance, but who can’t make the upfront payment needed.
“The campaign aims to raise R1 million to support students affected by the funding shortage,” said Shaeera Kalla, deputy president of the council.
“We have already raised about R300 000 in funding from individuals, Wits staff members, students and other donors. We are appealing to registered students, staff, alumni and the public to contribute to this campaign – every rand counts.”
Wits University has also appealed to all sectors of society to contribute towards funding some academically excellent, talented students at Wits. According to the University, about R780 000 has been raised by the university in the last 10 days for this purpose.
Law firm Nortons Incorporated was the first to take up the challenge, pledging to cover the registration fees for 10 law students to the tune of approximately R100 000. In addition, through an appeal to various members of the Johannesburg, Cape and Durban Bars, Nortons Incorporated secured donations from a number of individual advocates amounting to a further R260 000.
“We saw that this would be a way to make a tangible difference in the lives of these young students and would like to thank the advocates whom we approached and who gave generously in order to ensure that these students are able to continue with their studies,” said Anthony Norton, the managing partner of Nortons Incorporated.
The Oppenheimer Family Trust also pledged an amount of R120 000, while the South African Property Owners Association has also indicated that it will support five property studies students this year.
Professor Adam Habib, vice-chancellor and principal of Wits University said the university was immensely grateful for this support which will go a long way towards investing in the brightest minds in South Africa. “The challenge is now for other corporates and sectors of society to further invest in our talented student body,” he said.
