NMMU’s Ignite a Candle bursary campaign roars into life

NELSON Mandela Metropolitan University students have a chance to be part of a different kind of bursary programme.

The Bursary Legacy Ignite a Candle campaign, started by the fundraising arm of NMMU, offers people a chance to help 10 promising students without adequate funding to pay off their tuition fees and at the same time provide mentorship and guidance.

Renita Affat, acting chief executive of the fundraising body, came up with the concept for the campaign.

“We want you to invest in people’s lives – both the donor and the recipient. It’s an educational experience,” she said.

It was launched a year ago and got a kickstart when Zelda la Grange, former secretary to Nelson Mandela, was the guest speaker at an event held for the initiative.

So far there are more than 200 donors or “candles” burning for two recipients: Siviwe Mbela, a second-year bachelor of science student, and Sakhumzi Dukwe, a bachelor of psychology student.

Dukwe, a resident of Joe Slovo near Despatch, said the programme helped him “not only financially but in other ways as well”.

“The whole team [the NMMU trust] are incredible, caring people who have encouraged me in terms of my studying and growing as a leader,” he said.

Unlike other bursary programmes, which provide once-off support, Ignite a Candle encourages donors to get involved with the students’ lives. They are asked to stay in touch to monitor their progress and offer advice.

It is hoped this will lead recipients to pay it forward after they graduate.

To get involved go to http://trust. nmmu.ac.za/Bursary-Legacy-Campaign and register as a donor. A standard pledge of R500 is made and an icon will appear on the website with your name on it, signifying your support of the programme and its candidates.

The programme is just 50 pledges away from adding a third recipient.

NMMU will hold a live performance by Freshlyground’s Zolani Mahola on August 6 in support of the campaign.