Stellenbosch University
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Ithemba Bursary Fund – a lifeline for FMHS students
Author: FMHS Marketing & Communication / FGGW Bemarking & Kommunikasie
Published: 18/07/2018

“My life has been changed forever! Now I am motivated to work even harder. Thank you for awarding me this bursary. I will not disappoint you."​

This note of gratitude from an MB,ChB II student is just one example of the impact the Ithemba Bursary Fund has on students' lives. Since the fund was established at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences' (FMHS) in 2015, more than R1.3 million in bursaries have been awarded to 27 undergraduate students at the faculty.

“As part of the Faculty's sustained endeavours to realise our values and achieve our vision of advancing health and equality in South Africa and beyond, we energetically promote access to quality education and work hard to ensure student success," says FMHS Dean, Prof Jimmy Volmink.

“Socioeconomic inequality is arguably the most pressing challenge facing us in South Africa, and this is clearly seen in the lived experience of our students. It is completely unacceptable that talented and dedicated young students should continue to have their path to success obstructed by financial barriers," says Volmink.

Stellenbosch University's former rector, Prof Russel Botman launched the visionary HOPE Project that set the university on course to tackle pressing issues such as the eradication of poverty and related conditions; the promotion of human dignity and health; and democracy and human rights. 

It is in the spirit of Prof Botman's HOPE Project, that the FMHS has launched the Ithemba Bursary Fund. While 'ithemba' has several meanings in isiZulu and isiXhosa, we take from it 'expectation,' 'faith,' 'trust' and 'hope'. The Ithemba Bursary Fund provides critical financial support to students who do not qualify for funding via funding provided by the University, government and/or private entities. 

“Ithemba is a fitting name to promote Prof Botman's legacy and provide hope to students who otherwise would not have been able to continue their studies in the faculty," says Volmink. “The FMHS continues to promote the culture of giving and sharing that already exists on our campus. Through these efforts, competent health professionals are produced who, in turn, improve lives and contribute to a better society." 

The sources of funding for the Ithemba Bursary Fund are mainly donations from faculty staff, parents and alumni.

Donate today: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/healthsciences/Pages/Donate.aspx or contact Jasmine Erasmus at jasminae@sun.ac.za.