UP Giving Day

by Ivainashe Nyamutsamba | Aug 5, 2024 | News

On 22 July, the University of Pretoria welcomed back students and staff for the short, demanding second semester with UP Giving Day, a fundraising festival. The festivities kicked off at 10:00 and ended at 14:00. A plethora of stalls were available, manned by departments such as TuksSport and UP Security Services. These stalls offered an assortment of prizes and memorabilia.

 

This day was part of the UP Giving Matters Campaign, which was launched in 2022 with the goal of raising a total of R100 million by 2024. In the spirit of ubuntu, the funds raised are earmarked to aid in UP’s quest to identify and support the “missing middle” students. These are students who do not qualify for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) but cannot afford tertiary education.

The main attraction of the day was a 1967 Volkswagen (VW) Beetle in working condition. UP staff and students were encouraged to participate in the fundraising raffle for a chance to walk away with the “people’s car”. The vehicle forms part of UP’s history, as it was onced owned by Prof. Casper Rautenbach, who served as Vice-Chancellor and Principal at UP from 1948 to 1970. Prof. Rautencbach’s sister handed the classic black and silver VW Beetle over to UP.

 

PDBY approached Rea Moshoeshoe, a second-year BA Law student, who commented, “It’s good to be back. [I’m] loving the energy and vibe.”

 

Mathapelo Ndaba, a TuksRes staff member, said, “The day was a busy day. A lot of students were interacting and interested [in] everything that was happening.”

 

UP’s interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Themba Mosia, toured the exhibitions on the day and was available for students to take photos with him. After visiting the stalls on display, Prof. Mosia addressed the students who congregated at the piazza. “In the spirit of the UP way, you always help one another,” he stated. “We’ve seen it last year. We are excited today that you are going to give over and above what you can give. This is a very tough economy; it is a very difficult time for us as universities.” Prof. Mosia further explained, “The government grants are declining, the student debt is rising, and we hope that the Government of National Unity will come to their senses and be able to help us build this economy so that you can have jobs when you finish.”

 

Thus far, R31 million has been raised with the help of 504 donors, and 55 organisations raised funds for bursaries and scholarships. Since the launch of the fundraising campaign, a total of R82 million has been achieved. Local and international society members are invited to help the University of Pretoria reach their R100 million goal.

Ivainashe Nyamutsamba
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