The University of Pretoria (UP) recently welcomed a delegation from the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) for a donor site visit. The visit was hosted by the Fundraising team in UP’s Department of Institutional Advancement and the Student Financial Aid Office in the Department of Enrolment and Student Administration (DESA). The event marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing partnership between UP and the W&RSETA, a major benefactor that has made generous contributions to student education.

W&RSETA representatives interacted with the 59 students who are currently benefitting from the authority’s bursary programme. This face-to-face engagement gave the representatives valuable insight into the academic journeys and personal experiences of the students they support.

“The support from W&RSETA has made an impact on our students, and this visit allows our partners at the W&RSETA to see first-hand the profound difference their contributions make in shaping the future of these young minds,” said Professor Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP. “Since 2019, the W&RSETA has contributed more than R13.4 million towards bursaries at UP. This has assisted 134 students in the ‘missing-middle’ category.”

Missing-middle students are those who are not eligible for government funding or various bursaries but who still struggle to afford higher education.

The W&RSETA physically verified the bursary recipients, a process that not only reinforced the integrity of the programme but also allowed the representatives to witness the diverse range of study programmes that their funding supports.

The W&RSETA bursary programme at UP spans an array of academic fields, reflecting the diverse needs of the wholesale and retail sector. From business and economics to supply chain management and information technology, the supported students represent the future workforce of a rapidly evolving industry.

“The W&RSETA bursary has been a life-changing opportunity for me,” said Kelly Wilkins, a fourth-year BConSci Clothing Retail Management student. “It’s not just about the financial support, which is crucial, but also about the doors it opens for my future. Meeting the donors today reinforced how much they believe in our potential to reach our dreams.”

“As a first-generation university student, this bursary means everything to my family and me,” said Kaydon Tucker, a second-year BCom Supply Chain Management student. “It's allowed me to focus on my studies and excel without the stress of financial burdens. I'm grateful to the W&RSETA for investing in us and for taking the time to meet us personally.”

“We are impressed by the dedication and potential that we've seen today in these 59 students who are enrolled in different faculties,” said Reggie Sibiya, Chairperson of the W&RSETA board. “We remain committed to fostering collaborative partnerships that support students in the ‘missing middle’ to achieve their academic aspirations without the burden of financial stress and to stretch their imaginations."

The W&RSETA’s visit has set the stage for continued collaboration and partnership with the UP.