The University of the Western Cape’s Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Balfour, handed over a R1.6-million cheque to the SRC President Mcntosh Khasembe on Thursday, 20 February 2025, to signal the University’s commitment to battling student funding challenges.
The money was realised from savings from Prof Balfour’s recent inauguration – made possible thanks to donors and supporters of the University. The balance was derived from UWC fundraising initiatives and a generous R500 000 donation from The Mauerberger Foundation.
The funding will now be administered under the iKamvalethu Fund, initiated by the Student Representative Council (SRC), to help students in need. The University has now made iKamvalethu an apex fundraising initiative.
Prof Balfour said: “Last December, we learned that the anticipated university budget for 2025 would not be realised. That meant tough choices, but supporting our students had to come first. Now, I have great news to share. We have heard you, the student, through the SRC. This was a clear mandate, and we had to act. The SRC’s plea to grow the iKamvalethu Fund truly resonated with me. We needed to find a way to make a difference.
“This is what UWC is about - community, resilience, and making education accessible. We remain committed to working together to obtain success for our students. We will continue reaching out to partners in industry and philanthropy on your behalf. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Let’s continue working together. We can make a difference.”
The fund supports students who struggle with financial clearance due to outstanding fees. It also assists students who owe fees and are unable to graduate. When funds are available, it may extend to providing academic material as well.
The fund is key to addressing the so-called ‘missing middle’ students who face financial difficulties and funding shortfalls due to household incomes exceeding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) threshold. It is fully endorsed by the UWC Chancellor, Archbishop Dr Thabo Makgoba.
The iKamvalethu Fund will be strictly managed by the University’s Financial Aid Office, ensuring all financial controls are followed. Beneficiaries will be selected based on clear criteria set out by the Financial Aid Subcommittee, with final approval by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development and Support.
SRC President Khasembe beamed with joy when he saw the cheque for R1.6 Million, the first of the funds to be donated to iKamvalethu.
“Wow, thank you so much. I think I’m actually speechless … All I can say on behalf of the students of this University is that I think it is an initiative close to the heart of many students to alleviate student debt,” he said.
He added: “We will continue with the initiative and reaching out to ensure this fund becomes a success and becomes a legacy for each and every student.”
Details, rules and conditions for iKamvalethu funding is available at about/support-uwc/chancellors-appeal.
To donate, click here
The money was realised from savings from Prof Balfour’s recent inauguration – made possible thanks to donors and supporters of the University. The balance was derived from UWC fundraising initiatives and a generous R500 000 donation from The Mauerberger Foundation.
The funding will now be administered under the iKamvalethu Fund, initiated by the Student Representative Council (SRC), to help students in need. The University has now made iKamvalethu an apex fundraising initiative.
Prof Balfour said: “Last December, we learned that the anticipated university budget for 2025 would not be realised. That meant tough choices, but supporting our students had to come first. Now, I have great news to share. We have heard you, the student, through the SRC. This was a clear mandate, and we had to act. The SRC’s plea to grow the iKamvalethu Fund truly resonated with me. We needed to find a way to make a difference.
“This is what UWC is about - community, resilience, and making education accessible. We remain committed to working together to obtain success for our students. We will continue reaching out to partners in industry and philanthropy on your behalf. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Let’s continue working together. We can make a difference.”
The fund supports students who struggle with financial clearance due to outstanding fees. It also assists students who owe fees and are unable to graduate. When funds are available, it may extend to providing academic material as well.
The fund is key to addressing the so-called ‘missing middle’ students who face financial difficulties and funding shortfalls due to household incomes exceeding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) threshold. It is fully endorsed by the UWC Chancellor, Archbishop Dr Thabo Makgoba.
The iKamvalethu Fund will be strictly managed by the University’s Financial Aid Office, ensuring all financial controls are followed. Beneficiaries will be selected based on clear criteria set out by the Financial Aid Subcommittee, with final approval by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development and Support.
SRC President Khasembe beamed with joy when he saw the cheque for R1.6 Million, the first of the funds to be donated to iKamvalethu.
“Wow, thank you so much. I think I’m actually speechless … All I can say on behalf of the students of this University is that I think it is an initiative close to the heart of many students to alleviate student debt,” he said.
He added: “We will continue with the initiative and reaching out to ensure this fund becomes a success and becomes a legacy for each and every student.”
Details, rules and conditions for iKamvalethu funding is available at about/support-uwc/chancellors-appeal.
To donate, click here
