Page 193 - 2019\20 KZN Top Business Portfolio - EBOOK

Often the need for investment in higher education is At this year’s graduation ceremonies, 61,3% of
overlooked when CSI spend is allocated. However, in UKZN’s graduates were women and 68% were
order for the South African economy to grow, as well African. This can only bode well to satisfy the urgent
as to address the limitations for industry sectors where need for more female and African professionals in
scare skills exist, higher education must continue to be the workplace in South Africa. This also confirms
a priority. Educating our citizens is not only vital for that the University of KwaZulu-Natal is responsive to
our country’s economic growth but also empowers the needs of South African society and thus plays an
many of our youth to move beyond the constraints active role to correct the imbalances brought about
of poverty. Prof Singh commented, “While ‘fees must by our painful past.
fall’ raised many legitimate concerns, we need to Prof Singh concluded, “It does not matter the size
continue to proactively look for funding. The missing of the donation − big or small. UKZN needs the
middle, who come from families with income levels support of the business community, our alumni
above the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and civil society to engage more effectively and to
(NSFAS) threshold, but who cannot afford post-school invest in the city, the province of KZN and ultimately
education are of particular concern. There are many the country.”
students, who without extra help will struggle to reach
their full potential and need our help.”
Resolving this situation needs to be perceived as the
joint responsibility of government, the business sector
and civil society. For the business sector an investment
in students’ participation in higher education should
be regarded as a win-win situation. By investing in
university education, they are also investing in the
culture and skills of their future work force and creating
a pipeline of new employees. In addition, no teaching
can take place in a vacuum and the relationship
between knowledge and practice is undisputed.
Students require work experience, which may be
acquired through internships or holiday employment,
which then lead to permanent employment.
Excellence in university education standards also need
to be continually maintained. Students require access
to the latest equipment and best facilities in order to
remain up to date with the advances in the various
fields of academia as well as to research solutions to
the many new challenges facing society. All university
stakeholders have no difficulty in recognising that
educated graduates are critical to society’s future.
Financial support of higher education is an investment
in South Africa’s future.

Full Name of Company: UKZN Foundation Head Office KEY PERSONNEL
Nature of Business: The University of KwaZulu-Natal Chairperson: Mr M Mia (Trustee)
(UKZN) Foundation Trust is a registered charitable Deputy Chairperson: Dr P Mnganga (Trustee)
trust, a public benefit organization and a non-profit Acting Vice Chancellor: Prof N Poku (Trustee)
organisation under South African Law. The Trust Executive Director: Prof Anesh Maniraj Singh
is associated with charitable entities in the United CONTACT DETAILS
Kingdom and the United States Physical Address: UKZN Foundation Howard College,
232 Mazisi-Kunene Avenue, Durban, 4041
MISSION Tel: +27 (0)31 260 2389
THE MISSION OF THE UKZN FOUNDATION is to Fax: +27 (0)31 260 2812/3209
provide a professional fundraising service which E-mail: foundation@ukzn.ac.za
supports the development of UKZN and addresses Website: www.foundation.ukzn.ac.za;
the needs and aspirations of our donors https://foundation.ukzn.ac.za/donation-form/
189