Onthatile Gondwe, a beneficiary who studied Mechanical Engineering; Lumka Tshiki, Kgolo Community Development Trust; Dr Oupa Nkagisang, Kgolo Community Development Trust; Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Mr Milingoni Nemutshili, Chief Financial Officer and Dimpho Sechogela, a beneficiary who studied Office Management.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has received a generous donation of R2.4 million from the Kgolo Community Development Trust. This significant contribution will help alleviate the historical and current debt of CUT graduates from the John Taole Gaetsewe District in the Northern Cape.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, emphasised the challenges in higher education funding, including the alarming increase in its cost. She mentioned that the difficulties students face are a concern for every parent, guardian, or citizen who cares about the country's future, especially considering that many students come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Prof. Dube recently donated R 188,800 to the Student Representative Council in recognition of their crucial role in addressing the students' challenges. Her contribution will be to set up a food bank that will provide meal tickets and vouchers to students in need, significantly impacting their welfare.

“Your financial contribution represents a significant investment in our young people's future and is a beacon of hope for CUT graduates from the Northern Cape. We are confident that your support will have a profound impact beyond the walls of the university, inspiring industries, and communities to join our cause. We are very grateful for our partnership and its positive impact on our graduates' lives. Your support has changed their lives and given them hope for the future and the opportunity to pursue their dreams.”

Dr Oupa Nkagisang from the Kgolo Community Development Trust stated that the foundation they are laying aims to continue to influence and impact communities meaningfully. “Are you the light that can shine and impact other people? Or are you the light that dims and doesn't impact other people? Because you need to understand all the time that whatever you do, you should be the light that impacts other people. A simple mantra that I always give back is that if you affect a person's life, you're impacting a far greater number of people who are dependent on them and can derive benefits from them. And whatever we leave behind, let's leave a legacy,” he said.

The funding beneficiaries, Ms Dimpho Sechogela and Mr Onthatile Gondwe were funded R223,000 and R294,000, respectively. “I thank Kgolo Community Development Trust and CUT for paying my school debt. Next month, I will be accepting my first appointment as a graduate intern. And all I can say is thank you a hundred times,” said Onthatile Gondwe.

“As a girl from humble beginnings, I am deeply thankful to the Trust for clearing my debt. As it stands, I can proudly say I have a qualification. I aspire to give back to the future generation of this country and especially to my hometown,” said Dimpho Sechogela, her voice filled with determination and hope for the future.