PURCO SA rebate boosts TUT student funding

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Bursary and Scholarship Fund received a massive cash injection of R1 994 182 from the Purchasing Consortium of Southern Africa (PURCO SA). This is the second major contribution from PURCO to the Fund. At the end of 2016 the donation amounted to more than R990 000.

Mr Selvan Govender, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PURCO SA, who spoke at the cheque presentation, explained that one of PURCO’s objectives is to assist universities country-wide to save money through its procurement interventions, involvement and oversight.

He added that this contribution is part of PURCO SA’s commitment to assist the higher education sector to address the growing need for funding of financially needy, academically deserving students. He continued by confirming that PURCO SA is budgeting to give in the region of R26 m (2018) from R22.8m (2017) back to higher education, which includes the TVET sector, this year.

Govender said the relationship with TUT has really strengthened over the past year. “PURCO SA remains committed to TUT and will participate in future discussions with senior management to explore other mutually beneficial funding partnerships towards third steam income generation,” he added.

Prof Lourens van Staden, Vice Chancellor and Principal, said that he has a lot of confidence in the PURCO SA concept and thanked them for their contribution in assisting the students. Going forward, TUT will remain an active contributing collaborative member of PURCO SA.”

Mr S’celo Mahlalela, Chief Financial Officer, was very pleased with the association and engagement with PURCO SA, having achieved huge savings and efficiencies in the SCM collaboration.

Mari Booysen, Director of Advancement and Partnerships Office expressed TUT’s sincere appreciation for the contribution to the Fund, saying it will go a long way in alleviating the dire need for student funding. 

The TUT Bursary and Scholarship Fund, which was launched towards the end of November 2014, is steadily growing and to date has attracted more than 100 individual donors ranging from Council, Executive Management members and staff across the University. One of the primary goals of the fund is to assist in alleviating the annual shortfall in financial aid for students not assisted by the announcement of free education.

For more information on the Tshwane University of Technology, please contact Willa de Ruyter on tel: 012 382 5352 or send an email to deruyterw@tut.ac.za.