The University of Johannesburg needs R555 million for bursaries and tuition. To this end they are launching the 55 Campaign which will encourage students on campus to help their fellow students who cannot make ends meet.
The launch and fund-raiser takes place tomorrow night at UJ Auditorium in the form of the Thatso Funny Comedy Show. It features top comedians Nina Hastie, Joey Rasdien, Mashabela Galane, Chester Missing and Kagiso Lediga. The proceeds of the fund-raiser will go to the 555 Campaign.
Karen Coetzee, development manager for institutional advancement for UJ, explained the concept behind the fund-raiser. “There is not much giving from staff and students and this is a good way of doing it. We chose comedy because it is a nice mood-setter and we wanted to keep a human element. We did not want to do a bash as we wanted a safer event, without alcohol.”
Added Grace Meadows, manager of UJ Arts and Culture: “This is a great way for students to put their money together to help fellow students. In terms of going the comedy route, “I think that it is progressive of UJ because most universities want to shy away from the issues raised by comedians.”
Comedian Nina Hastie agreed: “We live in such a colourful country and we, as comedians, get to say things that others can’t.”
Silvanus Welcome, senior development officer behind the project, said: “We want to cultivate the culture of giving at UJ.”
The venue is a 1 100 seater and as comedians are the new rock stars it is sure to be sold out. Add to this the five comedians are all A-listers.
Each comedian will perform for about 20 minutes, which means the show will end just in time for the students to leave for the clubs.
Tickets for the event are R55 for students and R155 for the general public.
Thatso Funny is one of several planned 555 Campaign events.