Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr Chris Nhlapo thanked this long-term benefactor of the institution for its continuous contribution recently when MWMEM officials visited the Bellville Campus to hand over its annual cheque.
“We are deeply humbled by your support. Your organisation is proof that the contributions of ordinary men and women can ensure access [to higher education]. It is my sincere hope that our relationship will grow from strength to strength,” says Nhlapo. Donations to the HWMEM for education come mostly from black communities and not corporate sponsors.
HWMEM President Akbar Khalfe pointed out that the organisation’s first cheque to tertiary institutions in 1972 amounted to only R720. “The initiation of the bursary scheme was encouraged by a few ANC /PAC stalwarts during the heart of the Apartheid years. The theme at the time was Education before Liberation.
"Any deserving student, irrespective of race, creed, religion or colour can apply for a bursary which comes in the form of an interest-free loan,” he adds. Beneficiaries are encouraged to pay back their loans and in so doing to see it as their social responsibility to aid other needy students.
Zulfikar Umar, assistant general secretary of the organisation, found it very rewarding to be on the other side of the table so to speak. “Twenty years ago I was a loan recipient. I am currently also enrolled at the university for a BTech in Mechanical Engineering,” he explains.
Students are encouraged to apply for funding directly to the HWMEM on their website. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2018 and funding is granted based on merit.
