The Absa Nelson Mandela University Scholarship Programme was launched in 2017 and was initiated with a R2 million donation, which assisted 112 students towards their 2016 debt. A further R5 million was donated that assisted 98 students with their 2017 studies. Of these students, 18 students graduated after completing their studies in 2017.
This year, Absa has provided R4 million to assist 76 students who would not qualify for Free Higher Education. Of these 76 students, 53 students are continuing students. Academically deserving and financially needy students in their first-, second- and third-year in humanities, commerce, science, technology and engineering qualify for these bursaries. The criteria includes academic excellence and student beneficiaries are expected to maintain an average pass mark of 55%.
Nelson Mandela University Director of Strategic Resource Mobilisation, Dr Denver Webb said: “The introduction of free higher education is a very welcome initiative, but there are still large numbers of students not yet able to access free higher education who require assistance. Partnerships with private sector institutions such as the one with Absa are therefore important in helping the University widen access to quality higher education.”
INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE: Absa marketing consultant: Dilshaad Govender, Absa Regional Manager - Youth and Students: Lauren Mungur, Mandela University Director of Strategic Resource Mobilisation: Dr Denver Webb, Mandela University Vice-Chancellor: Prof Sibongile Muthwa, Absa Student and Youth Manager: Thabiso Yaco, Mandela University Strategic Resource Mobilisation’s Buyiswa Yaya and Absa Regional Citizenship Manager: Andy de la Mare.