Kamilah, who hails from Mitchells Plain in the Western Cape, graduated with a BCom in Economics in 2019, and is currently pursuing her honours in Transport Economics at SU. “Towards the end of the year (2019), I was concerned because I had an enormous amount of fees outstanding. But thanks to the Harry Crossley Foundation, who swooped in at the last minute and offered to settle my fees for me, I was able to graduate without any fees outstanding.”
In December 2019, the Harry Crossley Foundation donated more than R500 000 to alleviate student debt at SU. This contribution assisted 20 talented graduates to pursue further studies or enter the world of work without the stress of having outstanding debt.
“It is so rewarding to see our graduates step into the next stage of their lives with confidence,” says Hugo Steyn, Manager: Individual Giving at SU.
“And this was made possible by the Harry Crossley Foundation who, like us, believes that higher education is a significant form of empowerment. The Foundation is one of our biggest supporters and has contributed to bursary programmes and research at the University for over 40 years.”
Linda Whitfield of the HCF believes this initiative is one she is most proud of as a representative of the Foundation. “We provide bursaries for postgraduate students, but we became aware of this situation that young graduates, carrying debt, face on graduation.
“Harry Crossley believed that students needed to prove themselves to gain funding from his Foundation. To graduate, while carrying the worry of finances takes great fortitude and strength of character. These students have indeed proved themselves. It is our pleasure to be able to assist such individuals to go forward without the burden of debt and engage in the next stage of their lives with certainty.”