On 20 February 2026, a conversation about leadership at the University of the Free State (UFS) translated into tangible support for student success – and a renewed example of how partnerships between higher education and the private sector can create lasting societal value.
During a stakeholder engagement breakfast hosted on the Bloemfontein Campus, Anthony Govender, founder and CEO of ASI Financial Services, addressed university leaders and partners on the responsibility of leadership in shaping institutions and communities. That engagement culminated in a R100 000 contribution towards the VC-ISRC Imbewu Legacy Fund – strengthening the university’s capacity to support students facing financial hardship.
The contribution reflects more than philanthropy. It signals a shared belief that universities are not isolated academic spaces, but critical partners in national development.
“Leadership is a bridge,” Govender told attendees. “As you receive deposits into your own life, the question becomes: who will you deposit into?”
His message echoed the purpose of the Imbewu Legacy Fund – an initiative designed to ensure that capable students are not excluded from opportunity because of financial constraints.
A bridge between sectors
The University of the Free State has consistently positioned itself as a connector – between knowledge and society, between potential and opportunity, and increasingly, between sectors that share responsibility for South Africa’s future.
The engagement, hosted by Organisational Development within the Division of Human Resources, formed part of a broader partnership strategy. But its most significant outcome lies in demonstrating how dialogue can translate into measurable support for students.
In a context where higher education institutions carry both academic and social mandates, partnerships with the private sector are essential to ensure sustainable impact. Strategic collaboration not only strengthens institutional resilience, but also the broader ecosystems in which universities operate.
Prof Bulelwa Nguza-Mduba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, emphasised that sustainable partnerships are rooted in shared values.
“Our employees are our greatest asset. When they thrive, the institution thrives. And when institutions thrive, society benefits,” she said.
Investing in leadership that serves society
Govender reflected on his own leadership journey and mentorship experiences, noting that meaningful leadership extends beyond commercial success.
“The purpose was never just to build a business,” he said. “It was to create something that would contribute to others.”
That philosophy aligns closely with the university’s vision of developing graduates who lead with integrity, resilience, and social responsibility.
The R100 000 contribution to the VC-ISRC Imbewu Legacy Fund strengthens direct student support, while also signalling confidence in the university’s role as a steward of opportunity. It underscores a shared conviction: that higher education is one of the most powerful levers for sustainable societal transformation.
From conversation to impact
While the breakfast formed part of the 2026 BeBetter Employee Well-Being programme, its broader significance lies in how institutional engagement can catalyse public-good outcomes.
Partnerships anchored in purpose – rather than transaction – create continuity. They generate deposits not only into institutions, but into communities and future leadership pipelines.
At a time when South Africa requires collaboration across sectors to address complex challenges, the engagement serves as a reminder that sustainable societal results are achieved not in isolation, but in partnership.
And sometimes, it begins with a conversation.