The University of South Africa (Unisa) has made significant progress in its student debt relief campaign, raising over R10m towards its R50m goal. The funds were raised at the university's second annual fundraising gala dinner, held at The Maslow Hotel in Menlyn. The event brought together business leaders, alumni, academics, and supporters of student funding initiatives. The campaign aims to help students whose outstanding fees are preventing them from progressing or graduating.
The evening's main speaker, Business Leadership South Africa CEO and Unisa alumna Busisiwe Mavuso, reflected on the role the university had played in her own career and in creating opportunities for people who might otherwise struggle to access higher education. Mavuso described Unisa as a "beacon of hope" for students who work while studying. She emphasized that expanding access to education is closely linked to South Africa's economic future.
Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula said the initiative reflected the university's responsibility to ensure that financial difficulties do not stand between students and the completion of their qualifications. She emphasized that students nearing graduation represent an important investment in South Africa's future and should not have their potential limited by financial circumstances.
The fundraising effort began with R4m in pledges, which was matched by the Unisa Board of Council, taking the amount to R8m. Additional pledges made during the evening pushed the total past the R10m mark. More than 553 students are expected to benefit from this year's fundraising drive. Unisa plays a significant role in widening access to higher education, including the training of professionals such as teachers and chartered accountants.
Unisa Convocation President Justice Dabampe and National Student Representative Council President Siyathokoza Nkwanyana also addressed the event. They emphasized the importance of collective support in helping students complete their studies and the wider impact of student debt on students' ability to register, continue their studies, and graduate.
Nkwanyana highlighted that financial barriers can affect not only students but also their families and communities. He urged alumni, businesses, and civil society organizations to view contributions to student funding as an investment in the potential of young people. Unisa Board of Council Deputy Chairperson Dan Mosia reassured potential donors about the university's financial management, pointing to its record of consecutive clean audits.
The fundraising effort forms part of wider discussions about how to address student debt and ensure graduates are able to enter the workforce without being held back by accumulated education costs. Unisa's fundraising campaign comes as student debt remains a major challenge across South Africa's higher education sector. With nearly 400,000 students, Unisa is a key player in addressing this issue.
Key points
- Unisa has raised over R10m towards its R50m student debt relief campaign.
- The funds will help over 553 students facing financial barriers to complete their qualifications.
- The university's fundraising campaign aims to address the wider issue of student debt across South Africa's higher education sector.
