How a seemingly insignificant gift can make a difference!

You can make a difference!

The story of how a seemingly insignificant gift completely changed Unathi Kamlana's life.

Unathi was raised in Mdantsane– outside East London – and supported by his grandmother on her state pension. Despite the hardships at home, Unathi performed exceptionally well at school and was offered the chance to study at Rhodes.

He received financial assistance throughout his undergraduate studies because his family weren’t in a position to help him. After completing a commerce degree, he got a job at Standard Bank and then moved to the National Treasury. Unathi went on to graduate with a Masters degree in Taxation at Rhodes and he’s currently Chief Director of Financial Markets and Stability. Unathi’s also a member of various statutory committees and represents South Africa in meetings overseas, including the International Monetary Fund and the Financial Stability Board. 

He’s a committed volunteer and firmly believes in giving back to his community through service and support – values that Rhodes seeks to cultivate.

So, how did Unathi make it to Rhodes? Well, apart from a huge amount of hard work, a passion for education and an unwavering desire to escape the poverty cycle, a donor gave him R100 to make the trip from Mdantsane to Grahamstown so that he could register.

While at Rhodes Unathi received help from many other people – until he finally graduated.  But without that one gift of R100 for his taxi fare, Unathi might never be where he is today.

Unathi is one of many successful Rhodes graduates who’ve gone on to become leaders in their fields – and their communities – because kind donors and alumni reached out to help.

If we are to continue to be an outstanding University and provide opportunities for people like Unathi, we need people like you to help us.

Last year over 100 Old Rhodians answered the call to help their alma mater – supporting needs ranging from the Library Building Fund to helping financially needy students. Every contribution has helped to make a difference. And I’m hoping you’ll also want to make your own mark to help to keep Rhodes great.

Irrespective of your area of interest, I can guarantee that your support will be appreciated and put to the best possible use. Whether you choose to donate to our capital fund or to support a specific Faculty or Department, or whether you’d like us to apply your contribution to the area of greatest need, you can make a difference.

To make it easy for you I’ve included a pledge form and a reply envelope with this appeal. You can also make your gift on-line by going to www.ru.ac.za/annualfund – and remember, most gifts are tax-deductible.

I hope that today you’ll play your part in sustaining the excellence for which Rhodes has deservedly become renowned.

A story of a student who is giving………………………

It became a really special day the moment I opened up my e-mail in-box and there was a note from one of our Postgraduate students with the heading “Every little bit helps”.  Her message went on to say that she was reacting to the Annual Fund appeal and was now making a contribution of R300 which in her words she hoped, “Would bless another student the way I have been blessed.”

As the Annual Fund Coordinator I just had to meet this inspirational individual so I arranged to meet up with her. Wishing to stay anonymous she did however tell me that she had decided to make here contribution largely because of the values her parents had ingrained in her.  She said, “I was taught to live my life in such a way that others would look at me and be inspired to live their lives like mine.” 

She knows that every bit helps and that a donation of any kind, no matter how big or small can make a difference.  She felt that with this R300 she can create hope and mould another student’s dream. She herself is currently receiving a scholarship and so she is well aware that without the help of others it would not have been possible for her to still study at Rhodes and realise her own dreams. 

She might not realise it right now, but she has already made a lasting difference in someone’s life.

Students and staff are encouraged to support the Rhodes Annual Fund in order to promote our own “culture of philanthropy”.  All donations, no matter how big or small, are greatly appreciated and will assist us to deliver programs of excellence that create tomorrow’s leaders.  

Make a donation to Rhodes University, please contact Annelise Pienaar on +27 (0) 46 603 7024 or email: annualfund@ru.ac.za.

Call the Annual Fund Coordinator at (046) 603 7024