Page 225 - KZN Top Business Portfolio 2018

While the UKZN Foundation is generally well supported,
the current economic climate has resulted in many
budgets being cut, which has reduced the corporate
social investment (CSI) spend. The Foundation is
encouraging all members of society: individuals, clubs,
and alumni to start donating regularly to the multifarious
activities of the University.
Often the need for investment in higher education is
overlooked when CSI spend is allocated. However, in
order for the South African economy to grow, as well
as to address the limitations for industry sectors where
scare skills exist, higher education must continue to
be priority. Educating our citizens is not only vital for
our country’s economic growth but also empowers
many of our youth to move beyond the limitations of
poverty. Prof Singh commented, “While ‘fees must fall’
raised many legitimate concerns, we need to continue
to proactively seek funding. The missing middle,
who come from families with income levels above
the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
threshold, but who cannot afford post-school education
are of particular concern. There are many students, who
without financial support will struggle to reach their full
potential and need our help.”
Resolving this situation needs to be perceived as the
joint responsibility of society and the business sector.
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, to the latest equipment and best facilities in order to
they are also investing in the culture and skills of remain up to date with the advances in the various
their future work force and creating a pipeline of new fields of academia as well as to research solutions to
employees. In addition, no teaching can take place in the many new challenges facing society. All university
a vacuum and the relationship between knowledge stakeholders have no difficulty in recognising that
and practice is undisputed. Students require work educated graduates are critical to society’s future.
experience, which may be acquired through internships Prof Singh concluded, “It does not matter the size of
or holiday employment, which then lead to permanent the donation − big or small. UKZN needs the support of
employment. alumni, society in general and the corporate community
Excellence in university education standards also need to engage more effectively and to invest in the city, the
to be maintained continually. Students require access province of KZN and ultimately the country.”

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

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