Since his appointment, Walter Sisulu University (WSU) vice-chancellor Professor Rob Midgley has donated more than R500 000 from his own salary towards the advancement of needy students at the university.
Midgley who assumed his duties as VC at the university in April 2016, donates R25 000 a month, which is about 10% of his monthly salary, to students in need.
The university has about 31000 students across its four campuses and 13 sites in the province, with most coming from households with an income of less than R350 000 a year and who often largely rely on the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) for funding.
Speaking to the Dispatch recently, Midgley – who was a bit reluctant to have this information shared in public – said he believed that when an individual received a salary more than they needed to live on, they should assist if they were able to. “We are enormously privileged to receive fantastic salaries.When one is in a position to make a difference to somebody else’s life, I think it is morally incumbent upon an individual to do what they can. “If you earn more than you need, then it is important that you share with others,” he said.
He added: “The act of giving is not for the benefit of WSU, except perhaps indirectly. One gives because one is inclined to help others improve their lives. The benefit will go to needy people within the institution, hopefully, not the institution itself.”
WSU spokeswoman Yonela Tukwayo said Midgley had proved that a little charity could go a long way, and hopefully that his handsome monthly donations would inspire a ripple effect in the university community.
“Under stringent austerity measures taken by the university recently, coupled with other such donations, those in need within the university could find themselves in a more rewarding and conducive space,” said Tukwayo.
Tukwayo said Midgley’s donation was being channelled into the institution’s bursary fund which was awarded to needy and deserving students.
In addition, to this generous helping hand for WSU students, Midgley also gives to students in the “missing-middle” category at his alma mater, Rhodes University.
“The donation to Rhodes is a bit less than what I give to WSU, but it is aimed to fulfil the same purpose,” said Midgley.The VC hopes his act of giving will serve as a clarion call that will galvanise WSU alumni.
“Life is not only about oneself and one’s family. If one is able to help others, then one should do so,” he said...