THOHOYANDOU - Financial constraints are no longer going to hinder some learners from the historically disadvantaged communities at the University of Venda, as the Managing Director of Edu-loans, Mr Emil Bohme handed over a cheque of R1,6 million to the University last Wednesday.

The registrar, Mr Khuliso Nemadzivhanani, received the cheque on behalf of the University. Nemadzivhanani said that 95% of the students at the university came from poverty-stricken families who often struggle to pay their tuition fees. Nemadzivhanani added that this academic year, learner’s enrolment doubled from the number of students admitted at the institution the previous year.

“In the previous academic year, we registered 4 500, while this year we have registered 9 500 learners,” he said. He appealed to students coming from families who are not fortunate to apply for an Edu-loan. “Univen takes pride in this initiative. We hope and believe that the co-operation with Edu-loans will yield positive results that will benefit all members of the community,” he said.

Mr Bohme said that his company wants to provide South African students with access to education. “Education is an important tool towards transformation and it is crucial for all business people to identify and try to assist under-privileged learners to realise and achieve their goals, for the development of the country as well as helping community members to access education without experiencing any financial stumbling block.

“We are in partnership with various universities in the country with regard to assisting learners with finance.