A partnership between South32 and Sol Plaatje University clears historical student debt, allowing graduates to collect their qualifications, enter the workplace and continue their studies.
A powerful and inspiring event at Sol Plaatje University highlighted the impact of the Historic Student Debt Relief Initiative, a partnership between South32 and the University aimed at one of the most pressing challenges facing students: historical student debt. The initiative brought together university leaders, partners and beneficiaries to celebrate the opportunities created through financial support and to reaffirm the importance of investing in education, giving students who had been held back by outstanding fees a renewed opportunity to continue their academic and professional journeys.
Delivering the keynote address, Mrs Tumelo Dilotsohle, Manager: External Affairs, Hotazel Manganese Mines, emphasised collaboration and collective effort in creating meaningful change, highlighting education and leadership, economic participation, good health and social wellbeing, and the responsible use of natural resources as key areas of focus. She stressed the importance of working with stakeholders who could help address student debt, now a significant national challenge, and encouraged beneficiaries to “leave with pride and confidence” and to become a source of light within their university and communities.
Professor Jose Frantz, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation & Postgraduate Studies, reflected on the transformative power of education, acknowledging that behind every student debt account is a personal story, often connected to difficult circumstances and financial hardship. Addressing the beneficiaries, Professor Frantz emphasised that education has the power not only to open doors to a better future, but also to restore dignity, renew hope and create new possibilities. “When financial barriers are lifted, possibility opens up again,” she reflected.
She reaffirmed the University’s commitment to creating an enabling environment in which students are supported to pursue their academic goals, realise their potential and build better futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
The event also highlighted South32’s continued commitment to community development and student success. Over the preceding two years, the initiative supported a significant number of learners, while the organisation invested in schools and prioritised subjects such as Mathematics and English to expand educational opportunities, including for learners from rural communities. In closing, Ms Tshegofatso Kgaile, Director of Financial Operations at SPU, acknowledged the challenges institutions face in managing student debt and commended the initiative for easing the burden on both students and the University, demonstrating how meaningful partnerships, compassion and investment in education can change lives and strengthen communities.
The beneficiaries, in their own words:
Despite completing his qualification, historical debt had prevented Olorato from collecting his certificate and applying for teaching positions. The initiative removed that barrier and allowed him to take the next step into the profession.
“Personally, it meant a new beginning. I could finally start my career in teaching. For my family it meant relief. They supported me through my studies and now they can see it leading somewhere. You didn’t just clear my debt; you gave me back my future.”
Olorato Gift Visagie
Postgraduate Certificate in Education graduate, from Dithakong village, Kuruman
The debt had threatened Lebogang’s ability to continue his studies and pursue his ambitions in education and research. The support allowed him to continue with his PGCE and work towards further postgraduate study
“The support gave me a second chance. It restored hope and reminded me that my dreams were still possible. What once felt like an impossible obstacle became the foundation for a future filled with hope, opportunity, and purpose.”
Lebogang Christopher Makgolokwe
Bachelor of Arts in History and Sociology, and Bachelor of Social Science Honours in History; now pursuing a PGCE, from Laxey Village, Kuruman.
The support eased the financial pressure that had affected Boitshwarelo’s studies and allowed her to focus on completing her qualification.
“The support meant more than just financial assistance to me because it gave me hope, confidence, and the chance to focus on achieving my goals. It was a difficult journey, but with support and determination, I turned challenges into success and achieved my qualification.”
Boitshwarelo Salvation Gatisang
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Geography, Anthropology and Setswana, from Dithakong village, Kuruman
