Page 4 - UKZN Foundation AR 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE
ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: JUDGE N. PILLAY
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Mac Mia, who has served as Chairman of the Foundation for many years, and Dr. Pumla Mnganga, who has been Vice-Chairperson of the Board for an equally remarkable period.
As we close the chapter on 2024, I would like to offer a moment of reflection on what has been a year of both significant challenge and quiet resilience. The UKZN Foundation, like many similar institutions across the globe, faced a tough fundraising climate this year. Economic uncertainty, rising inflationary pressures, and donor fatigue impacted charitable giving across all sectors. Despite this, our commitment to the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s long-term development and our belief in the transformative power of education has remained unshaken.
While overall giving fell short of our ambitious targets, we nonetheless secured crucial funding for several high-impact student support initiatives and strategic academic programmes. Each gift – large or small – has helped to sustain and strengthen UKZN’s mission of producing globally relevant and socially engaged graduates. In a time of constraint, it is our donors who have enabled us to keep the flame of possibility burning for so many young minds.
To our many generous alumni, individual donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic institutions: thank you. Your continued support, particularly in a difficult year, speaks volumes about your belief in UKZN’s mission. Your investment is more than financial – it is a vote of confidence in the future of this institution, our students, and our society.
I must also extend my heartfelt appreciation to my fellow board members and colleagues at the UKZN Foundation. In the face of mounting pressure, you demonstrated adaptability, professionalism, and above all, unwavering commitment. The creativity and resolve you have shown in maintaining
relationships, identifying new funding avenues, and ensuring stewardship have been nothing short of remarkable.
In particular, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Mac Mia, who has served as Chairman of the Foundation for many years, and Dr. Pumla Mnganga, who has been Vice-Chairperson of the Board for an equally remarkable period. Both have played an enormous role over the years in guiding the Foundation through difficult economic challenges. Their steady leadership, wisdom and dedication have been invaluable, and on behalf of my colleagues, the staff and the University leadership, I extend our deepest gratitude to them.
As we look ahead to 2025, we do so with cautious optimism. The road may still hold uncertainties, but with our partners by our side and the continued dedication of the Foundation team, we remain steadfast in our mission. Together, we will continue to build a legacy of access, excellence and transformation at UKZN.
Judge N. Pillay
Acting Chairperson, 2025
2 UKZN FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2024