UFH appreciates R1.3m donation from Motsepe Foundation to SRC towards students’ financial needs

The University of Fort Hare has welcomed a generous donation of R1.3 million from the Motsepe Foundation to the University’s Student Representative Council (SRC) towards the financial needs of students, such as registration, fees and historical debt.

 

UFH SRC President, Ms Siphokazi Mbalo has indicated that the bulk of the funds will be directed towards clearing the debt of unfunded students from disadvantaged backgrounds and missing middle students who are struggling to register due to debt.

 

“As the SRC, we have committed ourselves to raise funds for unfunded students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those who fall under the missing middle category and cannot afford to clear their debt. As such, we have decided use R1 million of the donated funds to clear their debt to ensure these students are able to register for the current academic year.”

 

“The remaining funds will be invested into initiatives aimed at addressing mental health challenges, women empowerment programmes, and Gender-Based Violence awareness campaigns.”

 

The cheque was handed over by Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, co-founder and CEO of the Foundation, and was received by Ms Mbalo and Student Developer, Mr Dzulani Munzhelele on Thursday, 16 February, at a ceremony held in Sandton, Johannesburg.

 

In total, the Foundation donated R30 million to SRCs from across the country. According to Mr Vumisa Mayisela, the Foundation’s General Manager, the identification of the student needs to be supported will be conducted in partnership with the SRCs.

 

Mr Munzhelele said the financial support from the Motsepe Foundation was invaluable and will go a long way in alleviating the financial burden on students who cannot register because of debt.

“We are grateful for the unwavering support from the Motsepe Foundation. We hope the foundation’s generosity will encourage other private and non-private stakeholders to join efforts that seek to support disadvantaged deserving students,” said the Student Developer.