Enriching the legacy of giving

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has witnessed a remarkable act of generosity by its alumni, who have come together to pay the outstanding tuition fees of 125 deserving graduates. This display of support enables these graduates to join the ranks of official Unisa alumni, a community comprising close to a million individuals spread across 154 countries. With this recent contribution, the number of students assisted by Unisa alumni now stands at a total of 300.

The power of the alumni's benevolence is exemplified by the heartfelt testimonies of a number of beneficiaries.

From left: Olawunmi Odutola, Meshullum Mugabe and Margaret Musanhi

Olawunmi Odutola: “With a heart of gratitude, I recognise Unisa's alumni as part of my success story. I appreciate their effort through financial generosity to see that I graduate and obtain my degree. I have never experienced this gesture anywhere except with the Unisa alumni. This act of kindness arrived at the most crucial and necessary moment to complete my degree, and it relieved my financial burden to graduate. I pledge my allegiance to become a part of the Unisa alumni community.”

Meshullum Mugabe: “I would like to extend my gratitude to the alumni board that assisted me with paying my outstanding fees so I can graduate. This gracious act occurred at a crucial time when I needed it the most. After losing my job, I struggled to pay my school fees and could not access my results and graduate. Failure to graduate was an impediment for my career and I missed countless job opportunities because of that. Having my outstanding fees paid off means I can now access my transcript, graduate and apply for the jobs that I qualify for.”

Margaret Musanhi: “I would like to thank Unisa's alumni community and the University of South Africa at large for clearing my outstanding fees. Finally, I am graduating because of you. I was not expecting it, you are really a godsend. In times of hardship, struggling to pay study fees, struggling to get our degrees on time because of outstanding fees, you intervened and made it possible for us.”

Stories like these show that doors open for students when their financial barriers are removed, allowing them to pursue further study and career opportunities.

Unisa alumni have a long-standing tradition of contributing to deserving projects. Their involvement extends beyond financial support – it includes many initiatives that affect the lives of current and potential students. The recent act of clearing outstanding fees is just one example of the alumni's dedication to creating opportunities for others. Their continued engagement with Unisa showcases the strong bond they have with their alma mater and their commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals.

As Unisa celebrates its 150th anniversary, the generosity of alumni serves as a reminder of the lasting impact they can have on Unisa’s sustainability. Through their involvement in projects and initiatives, Unisa alumni continue to shape a brighter future for the university and its students and cement their reputation as true champions of education and opportunity.

* By Cilla Boucher, Unisa Alumni Relations Officer, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations