Thanks, Sanlam! Almost R10 million to strengthen NWU's Ikateleng project

Although the North-West University (NWU) is dedicated to academic excellence and superior research, it is also committed to improving people's lives in the communities it serves.

One way the NWU has been paying it forward is through its successful Ikateleng project, which has been contributing to the development of discerning learners for the past 32 years.

This project empowers Grade 10 to 12 high school learners from disadvantaged backgrounds by offering them supplementary lessons in mathematics, economics, accounting, physical science, life sciences and English. Currently, the project involves 1 650 learners attending its centres in Potchefstroom, Vanderbijlpark, Mahikeng and Lichtenburg.

Well-known insurance, investment and financial planning company Sanlam noted Ikateleng's success and has offered its support to this deserving project by donating close to R10 million. In 2019, the Ikateleng project received R2.2 million from the company; this year Sanlam will donate R3.5 million; and an estimated R3.75 million will be donated for 2021.

According to Celeste Rossouw, senior stakeholder specialist at the NWU, this significant donation has given the university the opportunity to improve more lives by opening two new centres this year: one in Mooinooi and the other in Kimberley.

"The NWU is extremely grateful for the donation," says Rossouw. "This will help us to empower hundreds of learners to qualify for higher education and to change their lives for the better."

A total of 620 Grade 12 learners are part of the Ikateleng project this year, and the NWU looks forward to welcoming them on its campuses in 2021.