UL receives R5m for academically-deserving students
While receiving an education should be regarded as a right, there are many people who cannot afford a tertiary education, and furthering their studies remains an impossible dream.
Photo: Supplied
LIMPOPO – The University of Limpopo was delighted to receive a substantial contribution of R5 million from Absa’s Barclays Africa’s CEO Scholarship Programme, which was handed to the university on Wednesday, 17 May.
The R5 million scholarship is additional to the amount of R1,5 million that was allocated by Absa towards the 2016 tuition fees to 45 poor, but academically-deserving students across various fields of study.
The bank’s contribution for this year is set to reach more students who are in need of financial aid for their 2017 tuition.
The Barclays Africa’s CEO Scholarship Programme was launched by Absa last year and disbursed R80 million to support 2 000 university students across Africa that would have been financially excluded from receiving tertiary education in 2016.
According to Oscar Siziba, Absa Managing Executive, Northern Region, the bank could not sit back and watch doors of learning shut in the faces of destitute South Africans.
“When it comes to education, Absa understands that it has a critical role to play, not only to increase access to higher education, but quality education. Funding challenges are not a governmental problem only, but societal.
Through the scholarship, we hope to drive the economy forward. This is not a short-term funding. Absa will keep on coming to UL with more projects. We hope this funding will go a long way towards educating students in Limpopo so that they stand, not as a symbol of our past, but as the hallmark of the future,” Siziba explained.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UL, Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, says student funding challenges cannot be addressed by the government alone, it needs private sector entities, such as Absa, to assist. He says the scholarship will go a long way in bringing about progress and stability in the country.
“UL admits students from disadvantaged backgrounds and having a partner like Absa coming on board is much appreciated. Let us join hands in assisting these young minds who would not have had an opportunity to pursue higher education if it were not for this generosity,” he added.
One of the 2016 beneficiaries, Karabo Tshoane, a third-year BA Media Studies student, says he would have been at home if it weren’t for the scholarship.
“It is not easy to register as a student without funding.
“Absa has taken the funding burden away from me and given me the opportunity to further my studies. The bursary covers my tuition, accommodation and meals, and this motivates me to work hard. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity,” he said gratefully.
