Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe
Image: File
THE Motsepe Foundation has committed R31.5 million to student leadership in South Africa, announcing the funding at its annual Universities in Dialogue forum held in Johannesburg on 10 April 2026.
The donation will be distributed to student representative councils (SRCs) at 26 universities across the country, as part of a programme aimed at strengthening student leadership and supporting access to higher education.
Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has provided financial assistance to thousands of students, with funding used for registration fees, tuition costs, and the settlement of historical debt that has blocked some students from continuing their studies.
This year’s forum brought together SRC presidents from 26 institutions to reflect on the role of student leadership in higher education. Discussions focused on how student leaders can redefine institutional success from a student perspective, and how to move beyond protest-driven engagement toward longer-term influence within universities.
Addressing the gathering, Motsepe Foundation co-founder Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe said the funding was intended as both support and recognition of student leadership structures.
“This donation is an act of trust, recognising student leaders as partners in institutional responsibility rather than passive beneficiaries,” she said.
The foundation has for more than a decade invested in initiatives aimed at expanding access to education in South Africa. These include the development of school infrastructure such as science laboratories, libraries and computer centres, as well as programmes focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
It also supports mentorship programmes, workshops and scholarships for academically deserving students who lack financial means, with the stated aim of broadening access to education and leadership opportunities.
The Motsepe Foundation says its work is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on building pathways towards peace and prosperity.
It works with a range of partners including government, academic institutions, businesses and community organisations, combining resources and expertise to address challenges in education and development.
With programmes operating across multiple regions, the foundation says it aims to promote inclusion and opportunity, particularly for young people entering higher education and leadership spaces.