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ABSA invests in future of students

10 July 2020 | Story Thabo Kessah | Photo Charl Devenish

ABSA_read more — The handover was done by Thomas September, ABSA Head Regional Coverage: Relationship Banking. With him are a student, Emily Ndlovu, Ntokozo Nkabinde (Institutional Advancement) and Tshenolo Thibeletsa (ICT).

“I am still in disbelief. Before I had this laptop, I was borrowing my cousin's laptop to do my academic tasks.”

These are the words of final-year Biochemistry and Food Science student, Xoliswa Khumalo, one of 200 students who recently became recipients of a generous donation of laptops from ABSA. In its endeavour to make a contribution towards saving the 2020 academic year, ABSA identified deserving students.

Xoliswa continued: “This laptop will help me type my assignments, since all of them need to be typed. I will also be able to view my slides and watch videos of my lectures. Now I do not have to wait for my cousin to watch movies. I am free to use mine for as long as I want.”

Another recipient is Itumeleng Katjedi, a second-year Economics student. “Thank you very much for the contribution to making my education journey much easier and simpler. I will be sure to strive to get the best grades,” she said.

“The University of the Free State (UFS) wishes to express its sincere appreciation to ABSA for investing in the future of those students who have little or no financial means to complete their studies remotely. Much has changed and many lives are directly and indirectly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, in a letter to ABSA’s Dr Reaan Immelman, Head: Education Delivery Citizenship.

“These are challenging times, not only for our country, but also for higher education institutions, as we work towards ensuring that the academic year is completed without any of our students being left behind. The UFS is deeply thankful for the 200 laptops, which will make an immeasurable contribution to alleviating inequalities between the different student cohorts. For these students, this gesture will not only advance their academic success; it will position them for the future world of work. ABSA will always be remembered as the co-creator of their future,” he adds in the letter.

Students from across the length and breadth of South Africa continue to receive their laptops via courier services, and those near the campuses are able to collect them while observing the COVID-19 regulations.

News Archive

Academics proud of their children

2012-03-29

Photo: Hannes Pieterse
29 March 2012

Carmien, the daughter of Prof. Francois Tolmie, the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, received the degree B.Sc. Hons. (Cum laude) in Biotechnology.

For Prof. Theo du Plessis’ family, the graduation ceremony meant double joy. His daughter, Mènan, received her B-degree in Architecture, while his son, Jean-Pierre, got an award for the best honours project in Computer Science. Here are, from left: Jean-Pierre, Mrs Colleen du Plessis, Prof. Theo du Plessis en Mènan. Prof. Du Plessis is the head of the Department of Language Management and Language Practice and Mrs Du Plessis is a lecturer in the Department of English.

Johané Nienkemper (B.Sc. Hons.) (middle) received the Senate’s medal and prize as the best honours student at the UFS, as well as the Dean’s medal as the best honours student in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. With her are her sister, Marisan Niemkemper, and her mother, Mrs Dorothy Russell of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Bernadette du Toit (middle) received a B.Com Honours degree (Cum laude) at the graduation ceremony on Friday. She is here with her parents, Prof. Gawie du Toit and his wife, Dr Erna du Toit, both of the Faculty of Education. She is one of three people to receive such high marks in the past 30 years.

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