“An investment in the future of a new generation of Maties.” This is how Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU, describes the bequest to the University. “It is the definitely one of the most significant donations the University has ever very received from one individual to date. We are very grateful and most appreciative of this bequest from Mr Ackermann,” he added.

Mr Ackermann, who passed away some years ago, bequeathed R8.4 million to the Stellenbosch University in the form of a share portfolio in 2006.

“The value of these shares has in the meantime grown from R8.4 million to R194.6 million. Subject to the conditions of the bequest from Mr Ackermann, this gift recently came to vest at full value at the University,” explained Mr Hugo Steyn of SU’s Development and Alumni Relations Division.

As stated in Mr Ackermann’s will, the University will use this bequest to establish the DW Ackermann Bursary Fund to benefit deserving students in the electronic and electrical engineering disciplines, invest the capital accordingly, and use the annual income for bursaries, which are to be awarded in terms of the criteria set out in his will.

“The fund will be managed as an endowment fund and will be sustainably used to benefit many students in future. The funds will be available soon and, after consultation with the faculty, we should be able to award bursaries from 2018,” said Steyn.

Total donations to SU in 2016 were up 53% from the previous year and also exceeded donations received in 2014.

“The assumption that all SU students are from affluent backgrounds is incorrect. Substantially more than a third of our most recent graduates received some form of financial assistance during their studies,” added De Villiers. “And it is fascinating to see how this has changed over time. In 2000, 28% of Maties received some form of financial assistance. By 2014, this was up to 38% of our students. And last year, 41% of our students were from the so-called missing middle, i.e. from households with a combined income of R600 000 or less per annum.”

At the beginning of 2017, SU received R1,1 million in philanthropic donations specifically earmarked for addressing financial need among students. These donations were aligned with the purpose and role of the ‘Register All’ bursaries administered by the SRC.

SU set three new records in the 2016 academic year. The final figures show that the University awarded a total of 8 348 qualifications, 5,6% more than the year before. These included 1 468 master’s degrees – the most ever awarded by SU. The same goes for the number of doctoral degrees awarded, namely 278, of which 47% (over against 39% in 2015) went to black African, coloured, Indian and Asian candidates. .

“This confirms SU’s valuable contribution as a national asset and it sends a strong signal to potential donors who have an interest in continued student success, and a desire to see a consistent output of graduates for the economy. Recent research also pointed out that we have done well in retaining donors and increasing the amount of money they are giving us,” commented De Villiers.