Dr Eric Pule.
Dr Eric Pule, Director at the Advancement and Partnerships Office (APO) said this is the first allocation dedicated to the missing middle, with a total of R 604 885, 25 from the fund used for these bursaries. He added that APO was looking forward to playing its part to assist students. “We are grateful to all our stakeholders, including staff, alumni, business, industry and government, who support and contribute to the fund,” said Dr Pule.
“We encourage our donors to continue giving to the University’s Bursary and Scholarship Fund. Your generosity in supporting the Missing Middle and Bursary Campaign, will create life-changing experiences for many students at TUT. Your gift will assist the University in its efforts to provide the means to create a better future for themselves, their families and communities, to deserving and capable students. Furthermore, your support will contribute to the economic wellbeing and progress of the country, that will benefit generations of South Africans in years to come”, Dr Pule explained.
According to Dr Pule, Covid-19 has worsened the situation in the country, since the “missing middle” had increased with more people who became unemployed and unable to pay their fees. Previously they could make another plan, or get a loan to cope.
“We’re getting into a crisis that requires us to think out of the box with partnerships across many stakeholders. Fundamentally, we must contribute to ensuring that we have an economy that is growing and serves the population.”
Dr Pule further explained that the Advancement and Partnerships plan aims to work closely with research and innovation experts, University partners, faculties and academic departments, student leadership and other entities aligned to the University, to challenge traditional approaches and models for corporate advancement and partnerships.
“The approach will be to engage academics, researchers, staff, students, alumni and community as ambassadors to support and partner in the advancement process to further opportunities and to optimise the value of all affinity business relationships,” said Dr Pule.
The Advancement and Partnerships Office will prioritise the following:
- Effective reach of annual fundraising goals for the University.
- Creating a philosophy of philanthropy, where the TUT community (faculties, staff, students, ambassadors, alumni, sponsors, donors and over-all community) have prospects to engage.
- Exploring and implementing structures to support and engage future campaigns, as well as projects and partnerships aimed at enhancing relations and third-stream income.
- Establishing Forums to a philanthropic organization supporting advancement, to complement its asset and endowment management functions.
- Partnerships, engagements and communication with individuals, corporate, donors and friends to support TUT’s strategic goals.