• The Convocation Fundraising Campaign recently gathered stakeholders from far and wide at a gala dinner to strengthen student support through donations and pledges. 

• More than 27 000 Unisa students who are on the verge of completing their studies may not be able to receive their qualifications due to student debt.  

Hundreds of needy students who were unable to graduate from the University of South Africa (Unisa) due to outstanding fees will finally receive their qualifications. 

The university’s Convocation, comprising one million alumni, has raised more than R2.5 million through donations and pledges to cover the tuition fees for financially needy students whose careers have been hindered by student debt. 

According to the body, 27 000 Unisa students who are on the verge of completing their studies may not be able to receive their qualifications because they owe the university.  

Led by Convocation President, Justice Dabampe, the organisation hosted its first Fundraising Gala Dinner in Pretoria on the evening of Tuesday, 23 September 2025. Guests and speakers included members of the Unisa Council, the Unisa Foundation Board of Trustees, business leaders, alumni, academics, students, and friends of the university.

Fundraising is only the beginning of the work to be done

In his keynote address, Dabampe said the fundraising dinner and efforts to reduce student debt were a proud moment for the university. 

“Together, we have raised funds that will enable hundreds of students to graduate. Currently, more than 27 000 Unisa students are a few modules away from graduating, but outstanding fees are holding them back,” Dambane said. 

“The pledges made tonight will ensure that many students who were previously unable to graduate due to debt will now be able to receive their qualifications,” he added. 

Dambane further announced that his organisation would host similar fundraising dinners in future to raise funds for needy but academically deserving students. 

“We must ensure that no capable student is left behind because of financial barriers,” he said, emphasising the power of Unisa’s alumni network – over one million strong – in shaping South Africa’s future. 

“Our graduates lead in government, business, education, law, health, and the arts. If even a fraction of our alumni contributes, the impact will be transformative.” 

Deputy Registrar of Student Administration and System Integration at Unisa, Liana Joubert, said the Convocation’s fund-raising dinner was a positive response to the challenges facing financially needy students. 

“The evening’s theme, Investing in the Future of Unisa Students, is not merely a slogan but a call to action to bring light into students’ lives,” She said. 

According to Joubert, student financial assistance, in the form of bursaries and scholarships, remains a growing need. 

“It has been an increasing phenomenon which over the years has seen a growing influx of learners that have been entering universities with the hope for better prospects and advancements,” Joubert added.  

Student voices echo the need for support 

Highlighting the urgent need to support students, the evening featured a moving story of resilience by Luvo Nkasane, a young Unisa graduate from Komani in the Eastern Cape. He studied with Unisa from 2020, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics in 2024.

In a pre-recorded video, Nkasane spoke of how financial challenges almost derailed his studies.

He said: “Education is a bridge between where I come from and where I want to go. But for many students like me, the bridge is fragile without financial support. Your donation is not just about money – it is about unlocking our futures.”

Vice Chancellor announces Disability Centre and global achievements 

Addressing the gathering, Professor Solomon Magano, Vice-Principal of Institutional Development, delivered a message from Professor Puleng Lenka-Bula, Unisa’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor. He highlighted the strategic importance of student support as one of the university’s ten catalytic-niche areas. 

Mogano emphasised the need for holistic development and said, “Education is not only about academic achievement; it must equip our students with life skills for a globalised world. At Unisa, our commitment is to universal access and the removal of barriers that obstruct meaningful learning.”

Mogano informed the dinner attendees that a new Disability Centre will soon be opened at the Sunnyside Campus, with donations of assistive devices valued at over R600,000 made by the Turkish Embassy and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency in 2024. 

Furthermore, Unisa is growing in global recognition as it is ranked among the top eight universities in South Africa and is among the world’s top 1 000, according to the 2025 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities. 

Message of support inspires an African renaissance

Dr Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairperson of Brand Africa, delivered a message of support that linked Africa’s identity to education and innovation. Reflecting on his own journey, Ikalafeng challenged narratives of Africa as a poor and conflicted continent, pointing to the need to reclaim the continent’s story.

He said, “For too long, the world has seen Africa through a narrow lens. Our innovations are not being protected, our creativity is not being monetised. Universities like Unisa are indispensable because they close the gap between potential and prosperity.” 

Ikalafeng announced the donation of his artwork to the Unisa Art Gallery. He also pledged to establish the ABLE Fellowship, a scholarship programme dedicated to supporting African PhD students, with proceeds from his forthcoming book, Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence.

SRC appeals for solidarity 

Representing the student voice,  Kosinathi Mabilane, President of the university’s National Student Representative Council (SRC),  described Unisa as the “University of the Poor” and stressed its unique role in South Africa’s transformation.

“Nearly half of Unisa’s 387 000 students come from working-class and poor backgrounds,” he said. “For many, Unisa is the only doorway to opportunity, the only ladder out of poverty, and the only chance to rewrite their destiny. Your generosity ensures that no capable student is left behind because of financial barriers.”

Mabilane spoke about students who attend classes on empty stomachs or struggle without safe accommodation, insisting that “contributions made were not charity but solidarity”. 

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond

A call to action was made, urging alumni, corporations, and the broader society to partner with Unisa in building sustainable futures. The Convocation’s goal for next year is to raise R11 million for student bursaries and debt relief.