Unisa raises hundreds of thousands to support struggling students: A new chapter in the fight for accessible education

In an event evening filled with resolve, the University of South Africa (Unisa) held its first-ever Convocation Fundraising Gala Dinner on 23 September 2025 in Pretoria.

The event raised over R570 000 through donations and pledges aimed at easing student debt and supporting the holistic development of students.

This milestone comes amid ongoing financial hardships faced by thousands of South African students and carries the spirit of past student-led movements like Fees Must Fall.

The Unfinished Business of Fees Must Fall

The Fees Must Fall movement, which swept across South African universities in 2015 and 2016, where students demanded free, decolonised, and accessible education, along with support systems that would address the deep economic and social challenges they face — from hunger and housing to mental health.

While the movement scored key victories, including government pledges for free education for poor and working-class students, many financial barriers remain firmly in place. At Unisa, the impact of this struggle is still felt daily. Over 27 000 students are just a few courses short of graduation but are unable to complete their degrees because of outstanding fees, an issue that continues to block access to better futures.

The Plight of Struggling Students

One of the evening’s most touching moments came from a pre-recorded message by Luvo Nkasane, a recent graduate from Komani in the Eastern Cape, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics in 2024. He shared his story of nearly being forced to drop out due to financial hardship.

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

In the same spirit, Nkosinathi Mabilane, President of Unisa’s National Student Representative Council (SRC), described the university as the “University of the Poor.”

He highlighted that nearly half of Unisa’s 387 000 students come from low-income backgrounds, making it a critical gateway to social mobility for those trapped in cycles of poverty.

“For many students, Unisa is the only ladder out of poverty,” Mabilane said. “But this ladder is broken for too many; some attend classes hungry, others struggle without safe accommodation. Your contributions are not charity; they are solidarity with those striving for a better life.”

Fundraising as a Step Towards Equity

Convocation President Justice Dabampe emphasised that the funds raised at the gala will directly impact the ability of many students to graduate. “Tonight, we celebrate an investment in hope and opportunity,” he said. “But more importantly, this is just the beginning. We cannot afford to let financial barriers stand in the way of capable students.”

Dabampe called on Unisa’s alumni network of over one million graduates, many of whom hold influential positions across government, business, and civil society, to continue supporting current students. “If even a fraction of our alumni commit to this cause, we will see transformative change in South Africa’s future,” he added.

A Holistic Vision for Student Development

The importance of supporting students beyond financial aid was underscored in the address by Professor Solomon Magano, Vice-Principal of Institutional Development, delivering remarks on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula. He highlighted student support as one of Unisa’s strategic priorities, emphasising the need for holistic development that includes life skills, emotional wellbeing, and removing barriers to learning.

One promising development is the soon-to-open Disability Centre at Unisa’s Sunnyside Campus, made possible by donations of assistive devices worth over R600 000 from the Turkish Embassy and Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency. This centre will offer vital support to students with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to education.

Additionally, Unisa’s rising global reputation was noted, with the university ranked among the top eight in South Africa and within the world’s top 1 000 according to the 2025 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Linking Education to Africa’s Future

The gala also featured a keynote message from Dr Thebe Ikalafeng, founder of Brand Africa, who connected education with the larger project of African renaissance. He reflected on how universities like Unisa play an indispensable role in transforming Africa’s global image from one of poverty and conflict to a continent of innovation and creativity.

Ikalafeng announced a generous donation of his artwork to Unisa’s Art Gallery and pledged to establish the ABLE Fellowship, a scholarship programme dedicated to African PhD students, funded by proceeds from his upcoming book ‘Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence’.

Looking Forward: A Call to Action

The event concluded with a clear message for 2026 and beyond: the fight for accessible, equitable education is ongoing. The Convocation’s goal for the next year is to raise R11 million to expand bursaries and debt relief initiatives.

This fundraising gala is more than a single night of generosity; it is a beacon of hope in the long and difficult journey toward fulfilling the promises of the Fees Must Fall movement. As students continue to face financial and social challenges, collective action remains the key to unlocking the transformative power of education for all.

By supporting Unisa’s students, donors and alumni are not only investing in individuals but in the future of South Africa, a future where no student is left behind because of financial hardship.