The second semester at the University of Pretoria (UP) kicked off with its annual Giving Day, when students and staff embrace the spirit of philanthropy and community. Giving Day is part of the University’s Giving Matters campaign, which seeks to raise funds to assist “missing middle” students – those who do not qualify for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding, yet cannot afford university fees.

Students gathered in their numbers on the Piazza on Hatfield campus to play games, visit the various student support stalls and make donations.

“We have been so encouraged by our student giving, as it shows that it is not about how much a person gives necessarily, but demonstrates the mindset and culture of philanthropy that is being entrenched at UP,” said Professor Themba Mosia, Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal at UP.

Students enjoyed games and visiting support stalls during the annual Giving Day event.

One of the highlights of the day was the raffle for the iconic 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, which was donated to the University by the family of its former owner, Prof Casper Rautenbach, who served as Vice-Chancellor and Principal at UP from 1948 to 1970. Several students put their hat in the ring at a cost of R67 a raffle ticket.

“I think UP Giving Day is a great initiative,” said Neo Sebati, who is studying towards a BCom degree in Marketing Management. “It’s fun to interact with other students while getting to donate and make a difference. The raffle for the Beetle is also a pretty cool idea.”

UP’s three-year Giving Matters campaign began in 2022 with the intention of raising R100 million for students facing financial challenges. In 2022, R31 million was raised from 504 donors, while in 2023, 834 donors contributed about R36 million. This year, the campaign hopes to reach 1 000 donors; thus far, 38 organisations have donated more than R15 million in “new money”, bringing the current total amount raised over three years to R82 million.

UP is grateful for the philanthropic spirit demonstrated by every student and donor who has contributed. They emphasise that the essence of giving lies not in one’s possessions, but in one’s capacity to share and support others. Every contribution plays a role in nurturing the community and fostering growth.

Visit the UP Giving Matters page at https://givingday.up.ac.za/ to make a donation today.