Nine students from the Centre for Communication, Media and Society (CCMS) in the School of Applied Human Sciences (SAHS) received full tuition bursaries from East Coast Radio (ECR), KwaZulu-Natal’s leading commercial radio station.
Academic Leader for Community Engagement in the SAHS and the CCMS Professor Lauren Dyll said ECR’s generosity was well timed. ‘In the context of constrained public funds for the University system, it’s a challenge for many students to pay their fees. Not only is this a cause of stress during their studies, but for many it’s still a burden years after they graduate,’ said Dyll. ‘For this reason, I was delighted when ECR contacted me about this opportunity.
‘It is fitting these young women received their bursaries in Women’s Month. Releasing them from the financial strain will assist them to focus on their studies and help unlock their full potential to make a positive impact in their own lives, the media industry and wider society.’
Said ECR’s General Manager Ms Boni Mchunu: ‘We are delighted to be able to contribute towards development of the youth in KZN. We are also proud to partner with a prestigious institution like UKZN where the students are assured of the highest quality education.’ Mchunu challenged ‘other corporates to support education initiatives in addressing the challenges faced in South Africa’.
Having previously worked with the ECR team in 2018 on the R67 for Mandela Day campaign, UKZN Foundation Executive Director Professor Anesh Singh added: ‘Donations of this nature are based on interpersonal relationships. I am grateful to Boni and her team for staying true to her passion – education.’
CCMS Honours student Ms Nqobile Khanyile said: ‘It feels like a dream come true. It is as if East Coast Radio knew how much I needed this support. I could not afford to pay for my fees and in turn would not have been able to receive my certificate. Thank you ECR!’
Student Ms Nomthandazo Ndlovu also thanked ECR for ‘giving me a second chance. Thank you for your generosity that has further motivated me to pull-up my socks. This bursary has allowed me to fully focus on my studies without worrying about my tuition fees’.