The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Student Representative Council (SRC) has received a R1.15 million donation from the Motsepe Foundation to support students with historical debt.
The contribution, made at the beginning of the year, forms part of the Motsepe Foundation’s support for student-focused initiatives and is aimed at providing financial relief to students facing outstanding historical fees.
The payment process for students identified through DUT’s Financial Aid processes has now been finalised, marking an important milestone in the initiative and providing support to students affected by historical debt.
The donation was received by representatives of the DUT SRC, with the funding directed towards assisting students identified as beneficiaries through the relevant processes.
Speaking about the initiative, SRC Finance Officer, Thalente Mteshane, said the contribution would make a meaningful difference to students who continue to face financial barriers during their academic journeys.
“This contribution will make a meaningful difference to students who have been carrying historical debt. As the SRC, we recognise the responsibility that comes with managing this support and remain committed to ensuring that the initiative reaches the students it is intended to assist,” said Mteshane.
Mteshane, who serves as the SRC Finance Officer for the 2025 to 2027 term, said the support demonstrates the value of partnerships in responding to challenges faced by students and contributing to their academic success.
“Financial challenges can place significant pressure on students and can affect their ability to focus on their studies. Support such as this provides much-needed relief and gives students an opportunity to continue working towards completing their qualifications,” he said.
The latest contribution builds on the Motsepe Foundation’s previous support for the DUT SRC. In 2024, the Foundation donated R1.1 million to the SRC, with the funding allocated towards initiatives supporting students with historical debt, food security, gender-based violence, mental health and peace building.
The Foundation has also previously supported DUT students through funding directed towards registration, demonstrating an ongoing partnership focused on addressing some of the financial challenges experienced by students.
For students, historical debt can present significant challenges, particularly where outstanding fees affect their ability to progress or complete their academic journey. The latest intervention therefore provides important support to students identified through the University’s Financial Aid processes.
The initiative also reinforces the role of student leadership in responding to issues affecting the student community. Through the SRC, student concerns can be translated into targeted initiatives that provide practical support to students experiencing financial hardship.
DUT appreciates the Motsepe Foundation for its continued support of the University’s students and its commitment to initiatives that contribute towards student success.
The partnership demonstrates the value of collaboration between higher education institutions, student leadership structures and external stakeholders in addressing challenges that can affect students’ ability to succeed.
By helping to alleviate historical student debt, the initiative contributes to creating an environment in which students can focus on their studies and work towards completing their qualifications.
