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DUT SASCO & Student Governance Launch Student Funding Drive

DUT SASCO & Student Governance Launch Student Funding Drive

In a bid to raise funds for under privileged students who cannot afford tertiary fees, the South African Student Congress (SASCO) and the Department of Student Governance and Development at the Durban University of Technology hosted the #feesmustfall Fundraiser at the DUT Ritson Campus Hotel School.

Held on Friday, 28 October 2016, the event aimed to meet government half way on the provision of education funding for underprivileged students.

Although the project is in its infancy, SASCO wishes to start the campaign with students who have debts from previous years and those who have graduated but have not yet received their certificates due to outstanding fees.

The Campaign comes at a time where universities around South Africa have been experiencing a wave of students protests in demand for free education for all students, especially those who are underprivileged. “We are trying to put a positive twist to the #feesmustfall campaign as we have witnessed many institutions being burnt down during protests. Since free education is not possible at the moment, we want to reach out and start our own campaign and meet the government half way,” said Portia Tuta, DUT SASCO Treasurer.

The fundraiser, which saw an admission fee of R1000 a seat, invited different stakeholders to the event and opened the floor to anyone who wanted to pledge more. Amongst the speakers was Acting DUT Vice-Chancellor: Engagements, Professor Sibusiso Moyo, who praised the students for their great initiative and encouraged them to continue with this drive as it will help many students in the future. She emphasised the need for everyone to have access to education; also challenging the higher education sector to form close relationships with students to ensure that they perform to the best of their ability. “When people are admitted to tertiary institutions, we must ensure that the conditions allow them to succeed. When students worry about their basic needs, they get distracted and it becomes hard to reach the target,” she said, while also expressing concern at “South African graduates’ lack of charity”.

The fundraiser has risen approximately R50 000 and is still open to more donations. The funds will benefit underprivileged students who are not funded by NSFAS or any scheme.
– Phumeza Msongelwa
Pictured: Professor Sibusiso Moyo, DUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Engagements during the fundraising event.

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