SANZAF Donation to UWC
South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) donates to University of the Western Cape
The South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) has allocated R1,058,073 to the University of the Western Cape (UWC) which will provide an education to some 106 students currently studying at the tertiary institution.
SANZAF Western Cape has set aside a total of R3,718,839.09 which will provide bursaries to 384 students studying at academic and faith-based institutions in the province.
At a symbolic handover ceremony, SANZAF representatives handed a cheque to UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian O’Connell, which was well received by UWC members.
Poverty was described as a South African reality at the handover, which took place in early May, and the needs of communities in relation to this issue were discussed. O’Connell said that the South African reality was not being conveyed in the correct manner, and that the only way to alleviate poverty in this country is through organisations such as SANZAF offering assistance by contributing to the schooling of South African youth.
“We are really happy that you came to this institution and chose to invest in the lives of our students, making it possible for them to change their lives,” O’Connell related.
SANZAF Western Cape Administrator, Sarfaraaz Hamza, said SANZAF is commemorating 40 years in 2014 and will continue to create possibilities in a bid to alter the sombre South African scenario.
“We always ask ourselves how we can add value in society by changing lives for the better. We are busy with a great deal of projects; however, our largest budget spends are accredited to education. Our national budget for this financial year is R80 million. A large portion of this budget has been set aside to educate young people at this university and other institutions,” he said.
Faeza Govind, SANZAF Bursary Coordinator, encouraged interested students to complete application forms online at www.sanzaf.org.za when the application process begins again in November 2014, or to visit any SANZAF office to collect their forms.
“We have offices across the Western Cape and students can come in to get more information about our education programmes. By January 2015 all application forms need to be submitted. Further information can be obtained on our website during this time.”
Govind further explained that SANZAF does have criteria for applicants - the income bracket of the potential candidate’s family will be a huge deciding factor.
“Education plays an important role in determining labour prospects, and as an organisation we have made a concerted effort to be responsive to the needs within communities,” she said.
Govind added that another prerequisite for students wishing to apply for a SANZAF bursary is a 60% pass rate in Grade 12.
