The Student Representative Council (SRC) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) plans to split the R1.1 million donation it recently received from the Motsepe Foundation towards assisting students with historical debts, the Phakimpilo Food Security Programme and other programmes such as Gender-Based, Mental Health and Peace Building initiatives.

The DUT SRC President, Mr Solomzi Zoleka accompanied by Mr Andile Masuku, Student Development Officer under the Student Governance and Development unit at DUT recently attended a meeting with the Motsepe Foundation CEO, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe in Sandton, Johannesburg.

According to Masuku, the purpose of the meeting was for all SRCs across the 26 universities in South Africa to meet with Dr Moloi-Motsepe to discuss the issues that they face as students, particularly issues relating to unemployment in the country. Zoleka and Masuku collected the R1.1 million cheque on behalf of the DUT SRC. This was the second time that the DUT SRC had received this R1.1 million donation from the Motsepe Foundation as the first donation was received in February 2023.

“The Foundation made these donations solely to support SRC programmes, as it says that it is aware that the SRC plays an important role in ensuring a balance between students’ academic performance and their social support,” said Masuku.

He indicated that the Student Governance and Development unit was excited when they received the invitation from the Motsepe Foundation once again this year. He indicated that as a unit, they are always willing to create partnerships with different stakeholders that intend to assist them in uplifting the DUT students and their well-being.

“This invitation came at a time when we needed funding especially to support the initiatives that we do under the Masifunde Sonke Campaign which is an initiative done by the SRC to assist financially needy students with issues relating to registration, disability, and food security. We will allocate R 750 000 to assist students with historical debt, whereas R100 000 will be for food security and R 250 000 for programmes such as Gender-Based, Mental Health and Peace Building initiatives,” explained Masuku.

To the Motsepe Foundation, Masuku expressed his gratitude for their ongoing support and commitment to the university. He indicated that the Foundation has significantly contributed to the sustainability of the university and they hope for more future partnerships with the Foundation.

Sharing further on how the donations received from the Motsepe Foundation has helped DUT students, Masuku said last year they managed to assist a number of students who had not received their food allowances from NSFAS during the crucial exam period. He indicated that the SRC grant donated close to R1 million to the Phakimpilo Food Security Programme which assists disadvantaged students with access to food.

According to Masuku, in the 2024 academic year the DUT SRC has made a significant contribution in assisting students with various challenges. He explained that they have set aside R1 million to assist students with registration fees and R100 000 to the Phakimpilo Food Security Programme, and plan to allocate R335 610 to the Disability Rights Unit at DUT.

Pictured: DUT Student Development Officer, Mr Andile Masuku with SRC President, Mr Solomzi Zoleka after receiving the R1.1 million donation from the Motsepe Foundation.

Simangele Zuma