In November 2020, Prof Madonsela and the Student Representative Council (SRC) Chairperson, Xola Njengele, led a climb up Table Mountain and a walkathon in Idas Valley to raise funds for the #Action4Inclusion Campaign.

This campaign is a student funding initiative established earlier in 2020 by the SRC and Prof Madonsela, in an effort to ensure that no student is left behind due to their financial circumstances. All funds raised go towards the scrapping of debt for working class and middle-class income household students who are struggling to pay their fees.

"Student debt is a global impediment to access to higher education for many students with some of the students forced to abandon their studies when they are about to complete their degrees. The problem primarily affects students from the so-called missing middle and students from poor working-class backgrounds that have fallen off the NSFAS criteria, often for reasons beyond their control," Madonsela explains.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown us a curveball this year, but with the relaxed restrictions, we were ready to embark on our planned activities – of course with the necessary safety precautions in place," she adds.

According to Karen Bruns, Senior Director: Development and Alumni Relations, this initiative indeed complements existing efforts to raise much-need funds for Matie students. "It is heartening to see our students and staff coming together to support one another as we work towards ensuring equal opportunities for all."

For those who are not able to take part in planned activities, the option is there to make a donation on the online giving platform, GivenGain. All contributions, no matter how small, are welcomed and will be greatly appreciated.

Get Involved:

#Action4Inclusion website: https://www.matiesalumni.com/action4inclusion/
#Action4Inclusion on GivenGain: https://www.givengain.com/cc/action4inclusion/