The Masifunde Sonke Campaign is an initiative that is done in collaboration between Student Governance and Development Department, Advancement and Alumni Relation Department and Student Representative Council. This initiative is done because we have seen a rise in the economic challenges in South Africa which have negative impacts on vulnerable groups of people, especially those who come from poor backgrounds and the working class. Moreover, the current economy has also impacted all sectors in South Africa including the Higher Education Sector due to budget cuts. Furthermore, it is believed that these challenges compromise the rights of students to have affordable access to Higher Education. In some instances, students get accepted for studying into university, however due to funding issues they drop out. For those that are able to complete their studies, when done, they cannot obtain their qualifications because they owe study fees to the institution. Hence, like any other public institutions of Higher Learning, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is also experiencing financial constraints as there are students who have no financial support to clear their debts to obtain their qualifications.

Whilst government efforts to alleviate this problem, like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are commendable, there are, unfortunately, many gaps that are left unattended. Notably, the right to access education, including Higher Education, is enshrined in the South African Constitution, Act 108 of 1996. Respectfully, it must be acknowledged that the Constitution does indicate, where Higher Education is concerned, that this right is subject to the reasonable availability of funds. Based on the abovementioned, we have resolved to embark on a project that would seek to contribute positively to this challenge of student funding.

Statistics South Africa reported that the unemployment rate in South Africa was 35.3% in the fourth quarter of 2021. This should be concerning as several young people are unemployed at this moment. Even though there are opportunities for jobs, those students who have outstanding fees/debts cannot have access to such opportunities because they possess no qualifications, as the institutions withhold their certificates until they settle their debts. Thus, this project aims to assist students struggling with student debt. These would be students who are not funded by NSFAS or who are excluded by NSFAS, as there are some restrictions on who NSFAS funds, leaving many students in need of our assistance. Therefore, this calls for everyone to play a role in assisting these students who have nothing, but are eager to change their lives and achieve their personal and professional goals.

• Raise funds to reduce the burden of student debt
• Assist students in accessing employment since most of those with debt are unable to obtain their qualification /certificates.
• Contribute towards financial sustainability of the university.
• Reduce the rate of unemployment amongst graduates and the country as a whole
• This support will significantly improve graduates’ meaningful participation in the growth of the country, including the economy, human development, leadership, ethical behaviour and broad citizenship.

41 /43 ML Sultan Road, Durban 4001

masifundesonkecampaign@dut.ac.za

031 373 2680

Please donate to us by Bank Deposit.

Account holder

Durban University of Technology

SWIFT code

SBZAZA JJ

Account number

05 023 9007

Institute / Name of the bank

Standard Bank

Branch Code

04 0026 (Kingsmead)

Zip code and city

Durban 4001

Country

South Africa

Deposit Reference number: Insert your name & surname and ref: Masifunde Sonke Campaign. Forward proof of payment to Masifundesonkecampaign@dut.ac.za