On 16 June we commemorate the contributions of young people to the struggle for a fair, non-discriminatory and equal education dispensation for all South Africans.

In June this year, South Africa also celebrates the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter, a broad treatise on human rights and equality for all South Africans.

When we reflect on the gains made in South Africa over the years, we can pride ourselves on defining moments in our history, such as the student protests that erupted across South Africa in 1976 against inequality in education, and the adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955 at Kliptown. These moments continue to nurture a collective impetus for equality among all South Africans.

The University of Pretoria is proud to contribute to this impetus by ensuring that young people from all walks of life are provided with the opportunity to access the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen fields. The University of Pretoria’s commitment to rectifying the inequities of the past by promoting access to, as well as success in, higher education by disadvantaged sectors of our society is reflected in our strategic institutional goals. The University has instituted various student centred and technology assisted programmes aimed at enriching the learning experience, so as to assist, in particular, students who are still battling the legacy of the inequitable and discriminatory education system of the past and enable them to succeed in their studies at the University. As a result, the University has one of the highest student success and graduation rates in South Africa. Moreover, our wide variety of study programmes and excellent reputation for offering quality education provide our graduates with a head start from which to compete for career opportunities in an open society. Indeed, research indicates that more than 91% of our graduates find employment within six months of completing their studies.

In its pursuit of equality and opportunities for all who wish to study at the University of Pretoria, the University has embarked on a campaign to provide support to deserving but financially constrained students through the Tuks Scholarship Fund. I invite you to make a contribution of your own to the betterment of our society by supporting the Fund, so as to assist us in achieving the objectives referred to above. This, I believe, will be a wonderful way of commemorating Youth Day and the sacrifices of the youth of 1976. Make today matter by investing in the future of our students through the gift of access to education through your donations. This will have a lasting impact on our society.