While many students are anxious about funding the 2025 academic year, 800 Witwatersrand University students received an early Christmas gift as they had their debt cleared.
The university paid off a ballooned debt of R63 million, because many of these postgraduate and undergraduate students could not afford to fund their education.
These students are notably thriving in their academics, as they have received an average of 65% or a higher passmark.
The university’s communications department said 336 students of the 800 beneficiaries will graduate debt-free, while the remaining will be able register for the academic year.
Wits’ debt relief fund shortly comes after it launched the Kobo yaThuto SRC Legacy Fund last month to assist students from financial exclusion.
Both the fund and Wits aim to raise R15m each in order to garner a total of R30m.
Wits University Vice-Chancellor Professor Zeblon Vilakazi emphasised the debt relief ensures financially strained students have access to a higher education.
“These are all students who registered for discretionary funding at Wits. We established a portal to assist students, many of whom fall into the missing middle, so that we could link academically excellent students with potential individual and corporate donors.
“The funding of students in the missing middle remains a challenge; and we remain committed to working with all stakeholders, including the SRC to help academically deserving students access higher education, as far as our resources allow,” said Vilakazi.
The Wits Dean of Student Affairs, Jerome September, echoed Vilakazi words, stating the debt relief has unburdened students’ money problems.
“This initiative brings relief to some students who can progress with their studies, and graduate.
“However, there are many more deserving students in need of support, and we are working with the SRC to continue fundraising for students,” said September.
A fourth year medical student at Wits, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their gratitude.
The student said they encountered financial difficulties, which not only led to a mounting student debt, but affected their studies.
“I have been able to register successfully this year, thanks to the discretionary funding which has cleared my debt. It has provided much relief, and I am now able to pay full attention to my studies.
“I would like to express my sincere and profound gratitude to all those who made this possible, and I will forever be grateful for the difference you made in my life,” said the student.
Wits SRC president Nombulelo Chiya urged the public and private sector to donate towards the Kobo yaThuto SRC Legacy Fund to help students access higher education, regardless of their financial background.
“This is a fundraising campaign, and a call to action to assist our students to achieve their dreams,” she said.
The Star