UJ: SA part of the solution

DDuring the 2015 #FeesMustFall protests the University of Johannesburg (UJ) heard the concerns of our students. In response to this, the #UJBeTheSolution initiative was born. With the intention to embody a collective solution that we as South Africans can be part of, we called on our fellow citizens to join our positive conversation. And, in true South African spirit, our staff and students remained steadfast while our alumni, corporate partners and the public overwhelmed us with their generosity.

In February 2016, we launched the Missing Middle campaign, one of the biggest fundraising campaigns undertaken by a South African institution of higher learning. To date, the campaign has raised close to R90-million to support almost 2 500 “missing middle” students with tuition and accommodation costs.

The kind contributions of the UJ Council, alumni, senior leadership, convocation, staff, the general public and business sector allowed the campaign to reach its end-year target of R60-million in just three months. Significant boosts to the campaign from businesses in the financial sector such as FNB and ABSA further bolstered funds.

UJ’s vice-chancellor and principal Prof Ihron Rensburg says it is encouraging to see the private sector investing in education. “We are deeply grateful to business and industry, and the public sector for their timely response and generous contributions that have helped UJ reach its goals for the Missing Middle. However, I want to make a further appeal to other corporates for contributions to this vital cause. By giving generously to the Missing Middle campaign, we are collectively building, shaping and empowering the country’s future leaders,” says Rensburg.

In the midst of the dreadful news of an arson attack on the University’s auditorium, UJ alumnus Advocate Cassie Badenhorst exemplified how setbacks could stimulate solutions. Badenhorst pledged R10 000 as seed money and invited his fellow alumni to contribute generously towards the restoration of the facilities.

Says Rensburg, “UJ holds a special place in the hearts of hundreds of thousands of our alumni — from Technikon Witwatersrand, Rand Afrikaans Universiteit, Vista University and, since 2005, the University of Johannesburg. This privately initiated appeal will catalyse our fundraising drives with major private sector donors, foundations and the public sector in South Africa and internationally”

During the latest wave of student activism the university remained focused on its mandate to empower young people and their families through the provision of knowledge they can use to contribute to the South African economy and society. Due to the resilience and futurefocused attitudes of UJ’s staff and students the academic programme continued without interruption.

“Our shared resolve to conclude this academic year on a high note is shining through. For this reason I express appreciation to all involved: academic, professional and support staff, students, the UJ SRC, Senate, Council, Convocation and our executive and senior leaders;” says Rensburg.

The #UJBeTheSolution initiative has ignited the giving character of South Africans. We thank all who joined us in creating solutions that build a better future for our students. Through your support we will continue our work in uplifting South Africa, by ensuring a flow of trained vocational and academic graduates for the future workforce and research sector of our country.