Dear donor,
Since my appointment as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), I have attended engagements with various internal and external stakeholders. During these engagements, it became evident that the university needs the financial support of our valued stakeholders – particularly our donors – to sufficiently support our students. We have 52 744 students across our three campuses, who have enrolled for the 2022 academic year. Your financial support has enabled us to continue to provide a large number of students with financial assistance. This edition/issue contains some of our recent success stories. These stories are a demonstration that your support assists the NWU to execute its mandate in teaching and learning, research and innovation, and community engagement.
The Chairperson of the NWU Board of Donors (BoD), Ms Percy Moleke, hosted a workshop on 4 August 2022, which my team and I, together with Mr Bert Sorgdrager (Chairperson of Council) and some members of the BoD attended. One of the important issues that was discussed is the dire need to fund and support our postgraduate students. This is important for the development and growth of a knowledge economy. Therefore, I urge you, our valued stakeholders, to offer bursaries and other financial support to our postgraduate students and research initiatives.
Once again, our sincere gratitude for your continued support. Your contributions go a long way in assisting us to reach our dream of becoming an internationally recognised university in Africa, distinguished for engaged scholarship, social responsiveness, and ethic of care.
Kind regards
Dr Bismark Tyobeka
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
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Feenix crowdfunding platform benefits 112 NWU students with almost R2,2 millionFeenix, the crowdfunding platform that was established in 2017 on the back of the fees must fall movement, is proving to be an important part in the lives of students at the NWU. Since the first disbursement received in October 2017, to date Feenix was able to support a 112 NWU students with a total of R2 187 275.33. According to Cara-Jean Petersen, Feenix Student Advancement Manager, all the money donated goes directly towards eradicating the debt of students who fundraise for their studies on the Feenix platform. “We are privileged to be in a position to assist in making tertiary education more accessible and affordable for students,” Petersen said. How this impact students are perfectly summed up by a
funded Feenix Student who said: “Studying while knowing
your academic fees are paid for without any issues, is a
stress relief. Hence, I became more focused and
determined to reach the highest level or results
attainable in my ability. Without financial stress, I
was able to focus on my academics which empowers me to
work hard.” |
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Liquid Intelligent Technologies gives R2,8 million in bursaries to studentsThe North-West University is excited to announce that Liquid Intelligent Technologies (LIT) once again demonstrated its continued and valued support towards the NWU and its students by giving R2,8 million for bursaries, which will benefit 32 qualifying students. According to Warren Makgowe, Director Stakeholder
Relations at the NWU, the leadership at the university
is always humbled when they experience how corporates in
South Africa are becoming more involved in the
development of the future of the country. “Our students
are the leaders of tomorrow and to see how Liquid
actively takes part in the growth of the students is
inspiring,” he said. “Not only do they sponsor bursaries
for our students, but Liquid Intelligent Technologies
also presents an annual Graduate Programme where
students in a variety of disciplines can apply for an
opportunity of a lifetime.” |
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Anonymous donor gives R2,7m to NWU causesNot every hero wears a cape. And some heroes choose anonymity, making sure their name or brand doesn't deflect attention from the causes they support. The NWU recently received such an anonymous gift of R2 746 000 to be distributed among various projects and programmes at the university. “Those who give their time and money to support the good causes of the university are truly heroes of society,” said Ben Zaaiman, senior manager at Development and Fundraising at the NWU. “Although we would love to reveal our treasured benefactor to the world, we understand and honour their wish for anonymity.” The NWU will direct the contribution towards bursaries for students; eradicating student debt; our Ikateleng scholar support programme and the Meal-a-Day nutrition support scheme, as well as research projects at the university. Ben invites alumni, friends of the university and businesses to join this donor in supporting the NWU in its dream of producing dynamic graduates who will transform South Africa, the continent and the world. “Our donors believe in the dream of the NWU and are committed to changing the lives of our students and communities,” he says. |
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Eskom Development Foundation injects another R2,9 million into NWU's Ikateleng projectIkateleng, a long-running scholar support project of the North-West University (NWU), has received another R2,9 million from the Eskom Development Foundation. To celebrate the generous donation, the foundation's CEO, Cecil Ramonotsi, recently joined the NWU's acting vice-chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis, at the Ikateleng Centre at the Dr Molefi Oliphant Secondary School in Bophelong. “Despite many challenges Ikateleng continues to set high standards. There is a lot that other educational and developmental programmes can learn from this project. I do not doubt that your alumni can today be found occupying many leadership positions as doctors, engineers, leaders in commerce and industry, teachers and, perhaps, even within Eskom itself,” said Cecil in front of a large audience of Grade 10 to 12 learners from the surrounding areas. Ikateleng provides supplementary teaching in mathematics, economics, business studies, accounting, life science, physical science and English to high school learners from Grade 10 to 12. This flagship initiative started in 1988 and now boasts six centres from Kimberley to the Vaal Triangle. This year, more than 1 400 learners from a multitude of schools have enrolled in the additional lessons given by dedicated teachers almost every Saturday. |
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