Mr. Abdul Razak Moosa, executive director at Willowton Group, presented the first cheque of R1-million to vice chancellor Dr Albert van Jaarsveld of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The balance of the donation, a further R4-million, will be made over the remaining four years.
With these funds, the UKZN Foundation has created the Willowton Group Bursary Fund which will ensure continuity over time.
The Willowton Group Bursary Fund will assist financially disadvantaged engineering and technology students from the college of agriculture, engineering and science.
“The #FeesMustFall campaign which disrupted education in 2015 and 2016 has highlighted the need for corporate businesses to become more involved, by financially assisting those without the resources to improve their education. Our company has made a decision to increase support for education and this donation is being made to deserving students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend university,” says Moosa. “We believe corporate businesses should focus on education to build a strong society and economy. All seven learners attended quantile one, two and three schools in the Pietermaritzburg area and have passed their matric certificate with flying colours; these rural schools are some of the most disadvantaged.”
Each of the learners will receive a full bursary inclusive of tuition fees, residence fees, meal allowance, book allowance and a laptop allowance.
One of the bursary candidates, Yonelisa Mbuzi, expresses her gratitude for the financial support. “This bursary will give me financial security to concentrate on studying towards my degree and achieving my career goals. Once qualified, it is my aim to give back to the community,” she says.
“Willowton Group has always placed education high on its priority, sponsoring various initiatives to give back to the South African community. These include science and maths kits to increase the number of school learners graduating in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The company has also set up a school bursary fund and the Sunfoil Education Trust which make bursaries available to deserving students,” says Moosa.
“On behalf of council, staff and students, I would like to thank Willowton Group for their generous support,” says Dr van Jaarsveld. He concludes that many academically sound students are having difficulties funding their studies, and that the money will provide welcome financial relief to those students and their families.
For more information, visit www.willowtongroup.com.