WESTERN CAPE MP ADVOCATES FOR CONVOCATION’S GRADUATE DEBT CLEARANCE PROGRAMME

Opposition leader in the Western Cape Legislature, Honourable Khalid Sayed called up on industry, government, and professionals to uphold the late Walter Sisulu’s legacy through ensuring that black graduates got an equitable chance at economic freedom.

Sayed gave the keynote address at the recent debt clearance fundraising luncheon hosted by the WSU Convocation Western Cape Chapter in Cape Town.

The luncheon was one of the convocation’s many efforts to eradicate over R500-Million of debt owed by WSU graduates to the university.

Reflecting on the late struggle hero’s contribution to South Africa’s liberation, Sayed alluded to the remarkable impact Sisulu’s eponym, WSU was positioned to play in providing opportunities to those from marginalised communities.

“His vision [Sisulu] that continues to drive WSU today is the belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, inequality, and disenfranchisement that so many in our communities still face. We have made significant strides in creating opportunities for black South Africans, but there is still much work to be done. Education, particularly higher education, remains one of the most effective ways to address the economic disparities that continue to exist in our country,” remarked Sayed.

Recent studies have shown that South Africa has one of the highest rates of youth unemployment in the world.

This, according to Sayed, was compounded by systemic inequalities that have deep roots in the country’s apartheid past and could only be rectified through institutions like WSU.

“Graduates of institutions like Walter Sisulu University are more likely to secure employment, start their own businesses, and become leaders in their communities. It is through education that we can begin to close the gaps in income, opportunity, and access to resources. Walter Sisulu University is uniquely positioned to drive this change,” said Sayed.

Echoing Sayed’s sentiments, Convocation President, Dr. Lunga Mantashe highlighted the far-reaching consequences of graduate debt, including rising unemployment, deepening poverty, reduced university revenue, and the significant toll these factors take on graduates' mental health.

Through their fundraising efforts, in 2023 the convocation managed to secure over R40-Million towards graduate debt, making sure that a number of graduates finally get their certificates.

Mantashe urged those in attendance as well as the broader public to pledge financial support to the convocation’s fundraising efforts.

Those interested in pledging their support can make payments to the convocation’s fundraising account.

Bank: FNB

Branch Code: 210554
Account Number: 63038654067

Account Type: Public Sector Business Account