The missing middle is a term coined to define university students who don’t qualify for state financial aid, but whose families also cannot afford to pay for their studies.

The Division has been working closely with Maties Sport and since 2020, managed to raise R13 million to support 200 of SU’s talented sportsmen and women. Over the two years, a total of 180 donations were received from individuals, corporates, foundations, and trusts, which will go to deserving students, representing a variety of sporting codes.

"With the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect an even larger proportion of our student population to move into the missing middle category," says Hans Scriba, Fundraising Manager at DAR.

"This group – with family incomes of between R350 000 – R600 000 a year – comprises some of our most talented sports and academically gifted students," he adds.

According to Scriba, missing middle students are highly vulnerable to dropping out if they can’t access funding. "We want to give our student athletes the chance to succeed in their studies and excel at sport, without the burden of worrying about fees and living expenses.

"Due to the impact of the pandemic, we can expect that higher numbers of our student population will encounter additional economic challenges and will require external support to help them to achieve success on the field and in the classroom." 

Scriba says the greater Matie family has been phenomenal in their support, especially former and current Matie sport stars who are set on paying it forward.

Maties hockey player and bursary recipient, Sandisiwe Tabata, who is currently completing a postgraduate diploma in Financial Planning, says having a bursary means having the opportunity to stretch and grow as an individual at one of the best academic institutions as well as one of the most competitive hockey teams in the country. "Having a degree behind my name will set me up for a future beyond hockey."

For bursary recipient and Maties Rugby player, Dian Bleuler, the financial support means peace of mind to tackle his sport and studies. "To receive a bursary is a great privilege. It makes the financial burden on my family that much easier. Without a bursary I would not have been able to study at Stellenbosch."