Stellenbosch University’s (SU) official institutional fundraising campaign ends on 16 April, by which time the university hopes to have raised R2.3 million.
This is according to Alwin Mabuza, a development officer at SU’s division for development and alumni relations.
With under a week left to fundraise, the total amount raised so far is R80 402, according to Mabuza.
“[We are] a long way from the target we wanted to obtain,” said Mabuza. “But we have a few days left, and the staff and students have come back from recess.”
All residences and commuter student communities (CSCs) on campus were encouraged to participate, and each community was set a target amount to raise based on the idea that every person in the community could raise R100, according to Mabuza.
In support of students in financial need
All money raised during the It’s Giving Maties campaign goes to the Bridge the Gap (BTG) fund, which aims to support students who have the capability to study at SU but not the financial means, according to the BTG website.
This year’s funds support six different initiatives, with the money raised from student communities going towards the Action4Inclusion campaign, according to Mabuza.
“We had those protests earlier in the year, and these kinds of drives are the ones that go towards helping people who are affected by those issues,” said Karl Lichtenberg, the alumni house committee member for Metanoia residence. “There is only so much the university can do, and it’s good to see that we’re doing what we can [to help].”
The It’s Giving Maties Fundraising campaign ends on 16 April, according to Alwin Mabuza, a development officer at Stellenbosch University’s division for development and alumni relations. He said that on 15 April, Victoria Street will be turned into a Forest of Giving, where groups across campus, such as faculties, communities, etc., will decorate the trees of Victoria Street in accordance with a student support theme, according to the Stellenbosch University website. “I’m quite excited for next week, for the events we have on campus; the Forest of Giving, the Amazing Chase, and to see how that pans out,” said Mabuza. PHOTO: Daniela Botha
Increasing visibility
According to Lichtenberg, the division would be closer to reaching its goal if the campaign was more visible.
“The biggest thing that could be improved is advertising – getting the word out,” said Lichtenberg. “I mean if I look at campus more generally, I really don’t hear or see that much about [the fundraising campaign].”
Metanoia residence has currently raised R26 982, the largest amount of money for a single student community in the current It’s Giving Maties fundraising project. This is according to the It’s Giving Maties fundraising page. “I just want to encourage everyone to donate, even if that means Meta doesn’t win,” said Karl Lichtenberg, the alumni house committee member for Metanoia residence. “It’s about getting assistance to the people who need it.” PHOTO: Daniela Botha
Shining moments of the campaign
Metanoia residence is currently at the top of the leaderboard, having raised R26 982, according to the It’s Giving Maties fundraising page.
“Most of it was a once-off anonymous donation of R20 000,” said Lichtenberg.
After receiving their term one honorarium, many of the Metanoia leaders donated to the fund, said Lichtenberg.
“[Student leaders] talk a lot about how we want to help people,” said Lichtenberg. “It was really heartwarming to see people quite literally put their money where their mouth is.”
Serruria residence has currently raised R5 800, placing them second on the leaderboard, according to the It’s Giving Maties fundraising page.
“With the Two Oceans half marathon taking place, Carmin [Beukes], our Sports [House Committee member], suggested that we encourage all the Serrurians running [the marathon], both current and alumni, to do so in their residence merch,” said Tariro Goremusandu, primaria of Serruria.
Out of the top five communities to have raised the most funds, two are female residences, and one is a co-ed residence, according to the It’s Giving Maties fundraising page. “I do think some people might be surprised to see a female residence in the top five, as there is often an unspoken expectation that male residences will take the lead in these kinds of initiatives,” said Tariro Goremusandu, primaria of Serruria. “We’re just really happy that we’ve had so much support, and proud to be surrounded by other female and co-ed spaces who are also showing up and making an impact. It’s been incredible to see what we can do when we support each other.” INFOGRAPHIC: Daniela Botha
All figures and leadership board standings were accurate on the date of publication.