Annual Fund
The importance of the Annual Fund
South African universities have only three sources of income: student fees, state subsidies and donations. Subsidies and fees cover academic provision and the basic operational costs of running the University. Donations are critical for the continued development of the institution, and especially to seed exciting new initiatives. They are also important to provide equitable access for the financially needy through much needed bursaries.
Secondly, high quality higher education is vitally important for addressing our diverse social and economic challenges. Tackling job creation, alleviating poverty, ensuring future water supplies and mitigating climate change all require highly educated people with knowledge and expertise and a thirst for solutions.
Thirdly, you will agree that those of us who have graduated from Rhodes, and as a consequence earn better than others, have an obligation to share our good fortune and contribute to making our world a better place for all.
In general, our alumni achieve incredible feats in their careers after leaving Rhodes. A glance at the Mail & Guardian’s top 200 South Africans reveals the presence of Old Rhodians in far greater proportion than one would expect from an institution of our size.
It is not just the academic excellence we strive for that is important. It is also our commitment to produce socially conscious and critical citizens who are prepared to take on the responsibilities of ethical leadership in all walks of life.
I ask you to consider making your own mark by supporting us in our attempts both to continually develop, and to strengthen the impact of our University in the economic, social and political life of our society.
Without your commitment and that of your fellow alumni, we will not be able to maintain our position as an outstanding, internationally-recognised African university, renowned for its undergraduate teaching as well as its scholarship and postgraduate studies.
Whatever area you choose to support and at whatever level you donate, you have my guarantee that your contribution will be treasured, used for the purpose you indicate, and used accountably and well.
Annie Pienaar
Annual Fund Co-ordinator
