Student Debt – UFS

A phenomenal young woman who strives to one day do big things for South Africa by empowering myself and other women with the one thing that can never be taken away from anyone, which is education and knowledge. I am a fluent and knowledgeable 24 year old student at the University of the Free State. I have completed my degree in a Bachelor of Social Sciences majoring in both Criminology and Psychology. Over the course of my degree, I have pushed myself and worked extremely hard to do my utmost best academically. With all the efforts I put into my degree, I managed to bag 12 distinctions and two Golden Key awards. Despite all odds, I survived all the storms that come with being a university student and today I can proudly say that I am a graduate.

Indeed I have faced some challenges growing up, like losing both my parents at a young age. I have been lucky enough to have had a village behind me that has been supportive and pushing me to be independent and to continue studying as my parents so wished, and who were also graduates themselves. I was born and bred in Soweto and attended high school at Rand Girls School where I served on the RCL for 2 years and as the Hostel Head Girl for Soetdorings in 2014. By the grace of God, I earned the opportunity to attend university to further my studies. As a result of all my dedication to my books and towards my future, I have been accepted to study a Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Management for the year 2021. However, this dream will unfortunately not materialize if I fail to settle my debt for this year (2020).

NSFAS has funded me for the past 3 years and approved my funding for this year as well but abruptly cancelled the funding now in September, leaving me liable for over R60 000 in tuition fees for this year, and I honestly do not have the kind of money to pay it all back myself. The university has now blocked me from accessing any of my student documents or their systems. I really am passionate about education and I know how it can be a real game changer for many in my similar situation, and although not everyone has this opportunity to grow themselves, I have been blessed with the opportunity and I would hate to see it all go to waste.

I want to continue studying towards the Disaster Management diploma, especially now with the current climate of Covid-19 and the great uncertainty it holds for many South Africans, including myself. My dream is to eventually be in the Frontline providing essential humanitarian support to disadvantaged communities. My experience and knowledge of psychological paradigms will be beneficial to this kind of work.

Your generosity towards my fund will be greatly appreciated. All those who are in the position to help me to please do so. I can promise you that it will be worth it. Please help me reach my target so I can continue studying and growing myself into a powerhouse who will one day go on to empower more women in academia.

Thanking you in advance,

Botlhale.