Dominic Adriaanse
MORE than R4 million has been donated by the SA National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) in its annual bursary cheque handover to tertiary institutions in the Western Cape.
The faith-based, socio- welfare and educational organisation has for more than 40 years worked to empower the needy through donations and voluntary work.
Beneficiaries qualify for their bursaries either through eligibility due to academic achievement of a 60% pass rate or higher, or if the student comes from a disadvantaged background and has not received adequate support.
SANZAF has this year donated a total of R4 552 452 for 408 students, with R1 182 945 going to CPUT for 128 students, equalling R9 271 per student; R1 795 865 to the University of the Western Cape for 181 students, equalling R9 921 per student; R570 662 to the University of Stellenbosch for 56 students, equalling R10 190 per student; and R431 028 to the University of Cape Town for 31 students, equalling R13 904 per student.
Ottery resident Kaltoema Latief-du Preez said she was “forever grateful to SANZAF as the bursary had helped to improve her life”.
“Eight years ago I stopped working to take care of my children but at 39 I went back to study, got my matric at 40 with an exemption.
“That gave me the motivation and discipline, and now I’m studying towards my bachelors in education. I’m proud to say I have achieved 21 distinctions from 31 modules out of 40.
“There are nine more to go, but that’s where the discipline comes in,” said Latief-du Preez.
She said she wanted people to know SANZAF is out there because of how their help had benefited her life, and might do for the next person.
SANZAF Western Cape chairperson Moulana Hassiem Cassiem said their goal was to develop people rather than give them a handout.
“Though we are faith-based, our aid is for the poorest of the poor and religion has no bearing, only to help improve and develop people,” said Cassiem.
Their organisation had raised R41m towards their SEED programmes, said Cassiem, of which R8m had been donated to the province.
Their SEED programmes are aimed at developing and empowering teachers to be better equipped in educating the youth.
“Our beneficiaries have a 93% to 95% pass rate in the last academic year.
“We believe in a holistic approach in empowering and developing people to better their lives,” said Cassiem.
Anyone interested in donating to SANZAF, or applying for a bursary, can contact them on 086 726 923 or visit www. zanzaf.org.za