Senate members stand up and support CC175

Senate member Professor Gavin Younge used a Latin maxim to convey his thoughts after being asked why he decided to pledge to the Chancellor's Challenge 175 campaign (CC175).

"Non mihi, non tibi, sed nobis or 'not for you, not for me, but for us'," he observed. "The challenge is unique in that it allows us to think through issues of access and social exclusion in a personal sense, and in this way to stop relying solely on governmental subsidies, which are of course inadequate.

"I also like the notion that recipients contribute to the fund once they graduate and start earning."

Younge is one of five UCT Senate members to take up chancellor Graça Machel's challenge to "join hands in calling for a community with a new definition, a community that cherishes the culture of giving and that takes collective responsibility for the future of our institution, our country and our continent".

"A laudable and well-meaning cause" is how economics lecturer and another recent donor Samson Muradzikwa described the CC175 campaign.

"Being a product of UCT and a firm supporter of its mission and direction, I feel giving to the campaign is the least I can do for this university and its students," he noted.

Head of medical virology, Professor Girish Kotwal, said he decided to take up the challenge and pledge to the campaign because he believes it will enhance UCT and ensure its long-term excellence and competitive edge through financial stability.

"It is also a commitment to a university that has provided me with an opportunity, environment and the infrastructure for world-class research innovation and academic experience. So, in a way, it is a mutually beneficial pledge.

"I would like to encourage other staff to do the same and buy into the institution in which they work and excel and hope to dedicate their lives to," he added.

Similar sentiments were echoed by a member of Senate and professor who wished to remain anonymous.

"I saw the challenge as a way of giving a token thank you to UCT, which has been my academic home for over 40 years - I have been a staff member since 1970. I particularly liked the aspect of helping less fortunate individuals to have access to something I believe in."

Securing adequate levels of funding to support financially and educationally disadvantaged students is one of the most critical issues facing higher education in South Africa.

But by making a contribution to the campaign, donors are playing a pioneering role in making tertiary education accessible to all, while supporting UCT's efforts to transform the demographic profile of the university's student population. It also feeds the pool of qualified professionals corporate South Africa requires to meet its own equity targets.

Those staff members wanting to pledge their support are encouraged to contact Farah Carr or Rhona Nieuwoudt from the Chancellor's Challenge 175 campaign office in the Department of Communication and Development. They can be contacted on tel 650 2641 or e-mail fcarr@bremner.uct.ac.za or nieuwoudtr@bremner.uct.ac.za.