Making a contribution: Libraries executive director Joan Rapp (left) and former deputy chair of UCT's Council Mary Burton with vice-chancellor Prof Njabulo Ndebele. Rapp and Burton have pledged their support for the Chancellor's Challenge 175 campaign.

Vice-chancellor Professor Njabulo Ndebele paid tribute early last week to the second Circle of Pioneers who have heeded the call of Graça Machel's Chancellor's Challenge 175 (CC 175).

Staff, members of the Senior Leadership Group and donors gathered at Welgelegen to receive their recognition certificates from the vice-chancellor.

Speaking at the function, Ndebele thanked the donors for opening their hearts and minds to the challenge.

"Thank you for standing up as the new generation of UCT pioneers. You are paving the way and ensuring that this institution survives and thrives on its path forward."

Nearly R1-million has been raised since the launch of the CC 175 campaign two months ago.

Ndebele said he was proud of the fact that the institution had been able to raise such an amount of money from internal resources in such a short space of time and that this was an gratifying occurrence.

Those staff members wanting to pledge their support can contact Farah Carr or Rhona Nieuwoudt from the CC 175 campaign office. They can be contacted on tel 650 2641 or e-mail fcarr@bremner.uct.ac.za or nieuwoudtr@bremner.uct.ac.za.