FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
30 March 2024
MUT SRC secures funds for students to register, pay their debt
In 2020-2021, the MUT Student Representative Council (SRC), created a fund to contribute in alleviating the student historical debt problem. Staff contribute to the fund. Towards the end of last year, the 2023-2024 SRC secured R1.1 million from the Motsepe Fund. In 2024, they have done it again; they have secured the same amount of cash. The SRC President, Thobisa Dalasile, said the cash was specifically to be allocated to deserving students to registered. The SRC, with the Dean of Students, Dr Thembi Kweyama, went through the process of determining the deserving students. Dalasile said the criteria were that a student had to have an academic performance of 60%; and/or have an affidavit from parents, or guardian, indicating they, the parents, or guardian, could not afford to pay the student’s fees. The SRC also accepted a statement from the bank, showing the parents’ financial standing.
Dalasile said 500 students applied to the SRC; 270 students were deemed deserving to receive the financial help. These included all the students that are studying towards the advanced diploma programmes.
Dalasile, a third year Diploma in Accounting student, said altogether they allocated R1.4 million to the 270 students. “We took R300 000 that was a left over from the initial R1.1 million and added it to the 2024 R1.1 million. This included the left-over cash from the R1.1 million last year. The total amount of the cash the students some received was R20 000. Dalasile said they R3 000 was to register for the current academic year, and R17 000 went towards what the student was already owing. “The student signed an agreement with the Department of Finance, stating that they were responsible for the remainder of what they are owing,” said Dalasile. Dalasile also said that they checked the student’s NSFAS help, and adjusted the financial help they were giving to the students accordingly.
This financial help has ensured that at least 270 deserving students register for the 2024 academic year, and the University receives a very large amount of cash that goes towards the students’ historical debt. This will contribute a lot towards the financial stability of the University’s financial position.
For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact MUT Media Liaison Officer, Bheki Hlophe +27 82 432 1805 or via email hlophe@mut.ac.za
… END …
About Mangosuthu University of Technology
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is a leading institution of higher learning in South Africa, renowned for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and innovation. Located in a township, MUT has extended its global reach through strategic partnerships and collaborations. The university is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility, empowering its graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities and society as a whole.