THE University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Student Representative Council (SRC) has officially launched its 2026 SRC Trust Fund fundraising campaign, aimed at supporting students who are unable to pay their registration fees.

SRC Treasurer General Lonwabo Xolo said the funds raised through the initiative will be directed towards self-funded students facing financial barriers to registration in 2026. He said that the appeal for support is to ensure that no student is denied access to higher education due to their financial circumstances.

“Our commitment as an SRC to ensure that no student is left behind is overarched by the understanding that because we have the ability, the influence as well as the platform, we must by all means do all that is in our power to liberate students from the shackles that prevent them from completing their journeys at university, and with this campaign we are tackling financial exclusion as a barrier to education, head on,” said Xolo.

The SRC Trust Fund was established in response to growing demand for financial assistance by students who do not fall within the NSFAS threshold, better known as the missing middle. In 2025, a total of 2001 students applied for support, an increase of 286 applications compared to 2024.

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Xolo said should this trend continue, the SRC anticipates as many as 2287 applications in the coming year. The primary objectives of the 2026 campaign are to raise sufficient funds to support all students in need and to encourage community and stakeholder participation in widening access to education.

Donations are managed through the UKZN Foundation and are paid directly into the fee accounts of approved applicants to cover registration costs. “We call upon alumni, corporate partners, NGOs, philanthropic organisations, and the broader community to support the Trust Fund,” said Xolo.

Emphasising transparency and accountability, the SRC confirmed that all donated funds pass through the UKZN Foundation before being redirected directly to the fee accounts of eligible students. Contributions can be made through the UKZN Foundation website: https://foundation.ukzn.ac.za/.

Once on the website you will select the SRC Trust Fund when selecting a project to donate to. Your contribution, no matter how small, will go a long way in ensuring every student has the tools they need to contribute meaningfully to our country.

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