[imagesource:stellenboschuniversity]

Undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Faculty of Theology and Department of Music became the lucky recipients of a R50 million donation left to the University of Stellenbosch in an anonymous donor’s last will and testament.

Acting Director for Principal Giving at the university, Hugo Steyn said the R50 million was specifically earmarked for bursaries allocated to ‘financially disadvantaged undergraduate and postgraduate students within the Faculty of Theology and the Department of Music’.

“Bursary programmes are crucial for providing access to higher education. These programmes bridge the financial gap for talented students, ensuring their potential is not hindered by economic constraints,” Steyn said.

“The funds will be invested and create a sustainable annual income stream, benefiting countless theology and music students for years to come. The first round of funds will be available soon and we should be able to award bursaries from 2025.”

Naturally, the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Professor Reggie Nel, was full of praise for the unknown donor, saying that it shows how religion plays a “decisive role on our continent, and specifically to pursue the calls for justice, peace, and healing.”

“At times it failed this call by merely serving its own interests. This donation will ensure that the rigorous study of these communities and the formation of its leaders takes place in dialogue with all the various sciences and different world views, to serve the common good. The donor is to be commended for leaving this legacy for generations to come. It will leave a footprint in our country and on our continent,”

Vice-Chancellor and university Rector, Professor Wim de Villiers is equally delighted, saying that “this donor’s vision and unwavering commitment to higher education in South Africa is an inspiration.”

[source:iol]