A combination of Rhodes University alumni philanthropy and goodwill and the dedication and agency of its students last month netted an impressive 84 donation pledges during a five-day fundraising telethon.
The pledges were made as part of a campaign to respond to the spiralling student debt currently pegged at R321 Million. The fundraising target for students’ financial aid is R75 Million.
“We are thrilled by the incredible success of our telethon, which we held recently, in pursuit of resource mobilisation for good causes as part of our university’s 120-year celebration,” Development Fundraiser Ms Chubeka Kulu said.
“This is significant in many ways, not least as a demonstration of the distinct Rhodes University spirit and abiding human solidarity. We are indebted to our students who patiently and professionally placed the calls to our alumni and invited them to be part of this initiative and to our alumni for their gracious responses.”
All donations from the pledges are earmarked to alleviate student debt, a critical issue impacting many families and communities. Debt hinders the progress of our graduates in their careers and in contributing to society and the economy, Ms Kulu said.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to all the alumni who generously pledged their financial support. Your commitment to Rhodes University and its students is truly inspiring.”
If you missed the telethon, you could still help roll back students’ debt! Rhodes University alumni and friends are invited to consider contributing. A monthly gift of R100, or R200, could make a significant impact.
To make a pledge, please contact development@ru.ac.za or call 046 603 8457. You can also log in at https://www.ru.ac.za/donate. This convenient and secure platform allows you to choose the frequency and duration of your donation.
Together, let us continue to unlock the futures of young, deserving Rhodes University graduates.
Read here for more information about student debt and the threat this poses to the operations of the University: https://www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/escalatingstudentdebtthreattooperationsamidstnsfasfundingcuts-1.html
