Donors help transform UP engineering students’ lives

Through the help of a German engineering firm, the University of Pretoria (UP) could donate eight bursaries to assist students further their education.

The financial assistance comes as UP works towards its ambitious goal of raising R100-million through its #UPGivingCampaign to make education more accessible.

German engineering firm Redheads Engineering Services TMS (Turbo Maschinen Service) has stepped up to support students directly by providing bursaries and opportunities for those who excel.

Redheads TMS recently awarded eight bursaries totalling R590 700, bringing the total funding provided by the company to R3.47-million for 32 students between 2023 and 2024.

According to UP spokesperson Sashlin Girraj, the partnership between UP and Redheads TMS was established as part of the organisations’ joint efforts to contribute towards social development under the Eskom Rotek Industries initiative.

The Redheads Group is a leading global provider of engineering services, serving various industries such as power generation, automotive and mining.

“It’s an incredible feeling to know we’re making a positive impact in people’s lives and society,” said managing director Jürgen Rust.

Rust said one of their core values is to positively influence not only clients but everyone they interact with – from their employees to the communities they serve and future generations.

“This year, we have awarded 19 bursaries across various universities. Building an engineering skills base is crucial for any community, as there’s always a shortage. We are proud of the impact we are making, and the feedback from society has been amazing.”

Director of UP Department of Institutional Advancement Rikus Delport said that if you aspire to make tertiary education accessible and cultivate future leaders who will drive innovation, positively impact society and address pressing global challenges – financial support is essential.

“We deeply appreciate our donors who step up to help us make education accessible to our ambitious students. Without such support, these students’ dreams would remain unrealised due to their socio-economic circumstances.”

Delport added that as education remains crucial for societal development, they continue to seek donations through the #UPGivingCampaign.

“Amidst the financial pressures endured by the university, donor funding enabled us to provide financial support to 50% of our graduates last year and to achieve the same for our May 2024 graduates. Our donors make this possible.”

He said they are always looking for creative partnerships to assist students.

“Recently, we introduced a raffle for a chance to win a classic 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, with proceeds going to students in need.”

In addition to funding her final-year studies, UP alumna Kaylin Stevens, a 24-year-old Bachelor of Business Management graduate, secured a permanent position at Redheads as a Business Support Administrator.

This role provides her with experience in human resources, finance, and administration services.

“This is amazing for me, and seeing other UP students receive bursaries because of the support UP offers humbles me,” she said.

Stevens said she was so stressed about funding her education.

Nhlanhla Mthethwa, a 21-year-old final-year BCom Informatics Information Systems student, was thrilled to receive funding for two years in a row.

Mthethwa said opportunities like these exist, and young people just have to produce academic results.

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Source: The Citizen

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