Tuks raises millions to support missing middle students

The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Giving Matters campaign has raised R82-million to help support students from the missing middle who do not qualify for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding.

The campaign was launched in 2022 with a three-year goal of raising R100-million to help make education more accessible to these students.

UP spokesperson Sashlin Girraj said the initiative was in line with the university’s mission to cultivate a culture where individuals are inspired by the motto, “Make today matter” and strive to make a meaningful difference in other people’s lives every day.

“R31-million was raised in 2022 from 504 donors, of which R9-million was allocated to bursaries and scholarships by 461 donors, comprising 406 individuals and 55 organisations,” he said.

Girraj said the remaining R22-million from 63 donor organisations was directed towards various non-bursary projects.

He said in 2023, R36-million was raised from 834 donors, comprising 110 organisations and 724 individuals.

“Of this amount, R16-million was dedicated to student bursaries and scholarships, while nearly R20-million from 63 donor organisations supported non-bursary initiatives,” said Girraj.

UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Themba Mosia, said funding would always be needed due to ongoing socio-economic challenges that persist in the country.

“We are proud to have changed the lives of more than 407 students and supported various projects at the university through this campaign,” he said.

Mosia said nothing would have been possible without the support of their donors, including staff, students, and alumni, who understood the struggles faced by students who strive to change their lives through education.

This year, the campaign launched a raffle for a classic 1967 Volkswagen (VW) Beetle in good working condition as an effort to raise awareness and funds.

Girraj said the vehicle was once owned by former UP Vice-Chancellor Prof Casper Rautenbach, and it holds special significance for the university.

“So far this year, the campaign has raised approximately R15-million from 38 donor organisations, including a major gift from an individual donor,” he said.

He said from the amount, more than R6-million has been allocated to bursaries, with the remaining amount going to various non-bursary projects.

He said the campaign has achieved a significant milestone thus far and urged members of the public to lend a helping hand so they could achieve their goal.

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