Popular fashion brand is on a mission to help students pay off some of their university debt

Student debt in South Africa is a pandemic all on its own, according to Converse group marketing executive, Bradley Knowles.

Sandton-based, Knowles added that students’ lives come to a standstill because of the financial difficulty they have to deal with.

“I think that same daring and rebellious spirit of the youth has always been the converse way which is still relevant today. It just made sense for us to stand behind the youth and assist in a small way by alleviating them from this crippling effect of student debt.”

An ongoing issue from years ago, popular radio DJ and Converse ambassador, Moeti Tsiki better known as Mo Flava said that he also went through the same struggles back in college.

“I have had my own challenges as a student who was studying media and, of course, we all know how tertiary education fees are especially in private institutions. So at some stage, I also owed some fees, even after I had completed the studies I had to work for some time to eventually pay it off. On a personal level, I can definitely relate to that.”

Working with many students over the years, he added that there was either a lack of opportunity in terms of funding or access to an opportunity to study.

“I think that this project and initiative is something that really speaks to me and something I have been a part of organically over the years. It’s bold, it’s brave and important. Being part of something like this is so rewarding because it’s positive and progressive. It also lets me do my part to advance others.”

Knowles added when they launched the #KickTheDebt campaign, they were inundated with a number of applications. With an R2 million budget, there is no set number of students that will be helped.

“We will do our best to help as many people as possible and in some instances where the debt is really high, we may offer students the minimum amount. Our hope is  to continue this initiative and make it an annual event.”

Through a vetting process, Knowles mentioned that it is not limited to anyone. Any student who has incurred debt during their studies can apply in South Africa.

“It’s very simple to apply on the site and it is mobile friendly too. Students who have been diligent in their studies with an average of about 60 per cent will be eligible. We want to ensure that it does end up in the right hands. Already 40 students have benefited from this campaign. The need to kick the debt is monumental and this is our small way of trying to help out.”

The campaign comes to an end on 14 March so get your applications in!

For more information and to apply, visit www.converse.co.za