The University of South Africa (Unisa) has raised R8 million towards its campaign to alleviate student debt, bringing the university closer to its R50 million fundraising target to help students facing financial barriers to completing their studies.

The funds were raised at Unisa's second annual fundraising gala dinner, held at The Maslow Hotel in Menlyn on Wednesday evening under the theme "Invest in the future of Unisa students."

The event brought together business leaders, alumni, academics, university stakeholders and supporters of the institution's student funding initiatives.

The university says the broader R50 million campaign aims to support students whose outstanding fees are preventing them from progressing in their studies or graduating. More than 553 students are expected to benefit from this year's fundraising.

The evening began with R4 million in pledged support. The amount was subsequently matched by the Unisa Board of Council, taking the total raised to R8 million.

Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor Prof Puleng LenkaBula said the fundraising drive was part of the university's responsibility to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent students who are close to completing their qualifications from graduating.

Unisa serves nearly 400,000 students and plays a significant role in South Africa's higher education system, including through the training of professionals such as teachers and chartered accountants.

LenkaBula called for broader support to address student debt, which she said had become a significant challenge across the South African higher education sector.

"It is crucial that we ensure students near completion are not left behind due to outstanding fees," she said.

"We must not overlook the potential of these individuals, as they represent the future leaders and innovators of our society."

The evening's main speaker, Business Leadership South Africa CEO and Unisa alumna Busisiwe Mavuso, reflected on the role the university had played in her own career and in expanding access to higher education.

"Unisa has been a beacon of hope for many, providing alternative pathways for those who work while studying and helping build a Black middle class in South Africa," Mavuso said.

Mavuso linked access to education to South Africa's broader economic prospects, warning that weaknesses in the basic education system could have long-term implications for the country's competitiveness.

She called for collective action to ensure that students receive the support they need to complete their qualifications, arguing that addressing student debt required more than financial contributions alone.

Unisa Convocation President Justice Dabampe also thanked donors for their support and stressed the importance of collective action in tackling student debt.

Unisa Convocation President Justice Dabampe

With more than 553 students set to benefit from this year's fundraising, Dabampe said financial support could make the difference between students completing their qualifications and remaining burdened by outstanding fees.

Unisa Board of Council Deputy Chairperson Dan Mosia sought to reassure potential donors about the university's financial management, pointing to its record of consecutive clean audits.

He said sound financial management was important in maintaining donor confidence while calling for continued support for sustainable student funding.

National Student Representative Council President Siyathokoza Nkwanyana highlighted the impact of financial barriers on students' ability to register, continue their studies and graduate.

Drawing on his own experience, Nkwanyana said access to education could have a lasting impact not only on individual students but also on their families and communities.

He urged alumni, businesses and civil society organisations to regard contributions to student funding as an investment in students' potential.

The fundraising drive comes amid wider debate about student debt and calls for interventions to address outstanding fees.

Gauteng MEC for Finance Nkululeko Dunga has also called for debt cancellation for graduates, arguing for an approach that would enable students to enter the workforce without the burden of accumulated education debt.

For Unisa, the R8 million raised at the gala represents the first step towards the R50 million target and an effort to support students who are at risk of having their academic progress delayed by financial constraints.

* By Sipho Jack, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement