With the introduction of their refreshed brand in 2018, Absa also introduced Africanacity, a new word they coined to define the distinctly African ability to always find remarkable ways to get things done.
At the time of the launch of their refreshed brand, Absa’s Group head of Marketing David Wingfield was quoted as saying “As Africans, we’re doers. We’re makers. We challenge the expected. We see possibilities and new ways of achieving them. Africanacity drives us to meet every challenge with tenacity, ingenuity and creativity”.
The values emanating from Africanacity resounds with UKZN’s tagline of INSPIRING GREATNESS and its vision “to be the premier university of African scholarship”. The University strives to develop graduates and researchers who are tenacious, ingenious and creative. It is these values that has resulted in the UKZN Foundation – Absa relationship that started in 2016.
The relationship has grown to the point that Absa is the largest South African donor to UKZN Foundation having donated close to R50 million over the period 2017 to 2020. The bank has provided access to higher education for 642 students, many of whom have graduated as Teachers, Engineers, Geographers, Accountants, Marine Biologists and Political Scientists.
Our partners at the bank were not content to merely throw money at students but wanted to be an integral part of their learning journey. The Elevate programme was introduced to assist Absa-funded students with time management, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
According to Vasan Naicker, one of the earlier recipients of an Absa Scholarship, “Growing up was hard, especially when I lost my dad. Absa has played a huge role in making my dream come true. I am grateful to Absa for believing in me.” [Watch Video]
The relationship with Absa extends beyond bursaries. A number of high-profile events have been hosted jointly which includes a debate on funding higher education; discussions with the Chief Justice; as well as a seminar “Expanding Horizons” that was held to promote trade between India and South Africa.
These events brought together some of Durban’s captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps including Her Excellency the High Commissioner of India to South Africa, Mrs Ruchira Kamboj and his Excellency the Consul General of India in Durban, Dr Shashank Vikram. We were also honoured by the presence of our Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng.
“I am grateful for the pionereering work done by Ms Shabane Sogoni and Mr Seelan Chetty to establish a firm relationship between Absa and the UKZN Foundation. Their determination to make a difference through education has built a solid base for the relationship we now enjoy with Ms Lydia Magopa and Dr Reaan Immelman from Absa.
“Absa believes in unlocking possibility, and the top priority for our business is to play a shaping role in society by putting the basic building blocks in place to ensure that Africans, and more precisely young Africans, have the opportunity to reimagine their futures and bring their possibilities to life,” says Dr Immelman, Head of Education Delivery at Absa’s Corporate Citizenship and Community Investments.
Author: Anesh Maniraj Singh