A group of Public Relations students from DUT have started an organisation aimed at funding financially disadvantaged students within the University.

The group: PR Dynamic Minds, is a non-profit organisation that was founded in August last year (2015). At the time (2015), the group of students were in their first year of study and was formed after realising the financial challenges faced by some students.

PR Dynamic Minds Chairman, Samkelo Dlamini, said the group’s main focus is on underprivileged students. In order to get help however, qualifying students will have to adhere to strict requirements. “This organisation aims to cater to underprivileged students who cannot afford to pay their tuition fees, provided that it can be proven through relevant supporting documents,” he said.
Dlamini added that the organisation plans to apply to funding trusts since it has acquired NPO status. Other strategies for growing the organisation’s brand and footprint will include hosting fundraising events as well as building mutually beneficial relationships with other entities. “We also aim to curb challenges through strategic and tactical approaches of planning,” he said.
This year (2016), the organisation has been spreading the word on different platforms in search of potential sponsors. “In July this year, we partnered with the DUT Alumni Relations Department and She Dazzles Events for the #FundTheMissingMiddle campaign. Our communications team have appeared on the Shift show on SABC 1. We have also been interviewed on Gagasi fm as well Isolezwe,” said Dlamini.

– Siphephelo Sibiya

Pictured: Executive members of the P.R Dynamic Minds group. Pictured from left are Samkelo Dlamini, Canaan Mthethwa and Vumani Zulu.