KwaDukuza municipality has invested in education by paying registration fees for 90 university students to the tune of R450 000.

Every year the municipality assists students who cannot afford to pay their registration fees at higher education institutions.

Chairperson of the youth, sports and gender portfolio committee, councillor John Phahla said students who received the funding could show their appreciation by returning after their studies and making a positive impact within the municipality with their new skills.

“We give you a chance we never had, a chance to build a better future,” said Phahla.

KwaDukuza mayor Dolly Govender said she was pleased with parents who had instilled the culture of reading in their children.

“The only way we can advance is to become a reading nation, which will inevitably address the skills shortages we face as a country.

“This is an opportunity for you to fly. You have climbed the first step, we are assisting you to soldier on in your journey to complete these steps,” said Govender.

One of the beneficiaries, Thembeka Ndlela, who will be pursuing Development Studies at the University of Zululand said she appreciated the support and committed to study hard.