Even a small contribution can make a huge difference in people’s lives, as can be seen in the case of Old Rhodian Kgotso Motswedi, who recently shared his donation story with the Alumni Office.

A few years after leaving Rhodes University, Kgotso began to consider giving back to his alma mater and enquired about donation options. He chose to donate towards bursaries and set aside R220 per month for this, which he continued to pay for three years.

In his Rhodes University-issued donations certificate (section 18(A) tax certificate) , Kgotso noticed that his total donations added up to a considerable amount, despite having felt his monthly payments to date were relatively unsubstantial. In fact, upon reflecting on his total accumulated amount, Kgotso realised that he had contributed enough to significantly impact the life of at least one student.

Feeling inspired, Kgotso increased his monthly contribution amount to R450, and kept increasing the amount every year, as his personal financial status improved. The one student he had envisaged helping after the first three years became two students, then three, and so on.

“When I think of changing the life of even one student, it fills me with joy. I don’t see this as an act of charity, because giving back and knowing that I am having an impact, however small, on a young person’s life, fills me with purpose,” he said. “I can’t believe there aren’t more employed alumni that are doing this – for both their own good and that of our future generations.”

Kgotso so appreciates being part of this donor culture that he is now considering leaving 5% of his estate to Rhodes University as a Bequest. 

Many others, including the likes of Zukisa Pityana – one of this year’s six Distinguished Alumni awardees – are embracing Rhodes University’s donor culture, and helping to ensure the development of the institution’s next batch of graduates. Zukisa is the founder of the Ntombesizwe Scholarship, an initiative that supports black girl students born and bred in Makhanda, to study at Rhodes University.

Another prime example is Natasha Joseph, who established an annual fund on her birthday one year. The fund appeals to alumni to assist current students whose results are being withheld due to non-payment.

If you would like to also find fulfilment through our donor culture, please contact Luyanda at development@ru.ac.za. Remember, no amount is too small – you can make a difference

If you prefer to make an EFT, deposit directly into our account via EFT or Internet Banking, our account details are as follows:
Bank:  First National Bank
Branch: Grahamstown
Branch code: 210717
Account no: 62145508894
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
If you choose this option, please use your Initials and Surname as the beneficiary reference.  Please fax a copy of the deposit slip to +27 (0) 46 603 7015 or email proof of payment to q.sompondo@ru.ac.za for Attention: Qondakele Sompondo.

For online banking, please access this link and under the " Your Suggestions or Comments" field, please put added details of where you would like the funds to go to.

You may complete the Pledge Form and email it to development@ru.ac.za