Page 6 - Thetha Issue 6

FUNDRAISING

Where does my

donation go?

The SRMA has three main arms:
Who looks after the resources of Nelson Mandela
University? Who makes sure your donation is used for • Bursaries and Scholarships Directorate focusing on
the intended purpose? How do you know that it will be mobilising funding
effectively used? • Directorate for Alumni Relations
Among other things, this is the task of the Strategic • Directorate for Capital Resource Mobilisation and
Resource Mobilisation and Advancement (SRMA) office. Special Projects.
The office was established on 1 August 2017 as part of
a broader reimagining of resource mobilisation at Nelson It also provides logistical and administrative support to the
Mandela University. It started, however, in 2014 when Nelson Mandela University Trust and the Nelson Mandela
the University Council mandated the Vice-Chancellor University Investment Company.
to explore establishing more coordinated, integrated Nelson Mandela University is the sole beneficiary of
and effective resource mobilisation functions within the the Nelson Mandela University Trust, which mobilises
University. resources through donations in cash and kind, and which
The outcome of this was restructuring the Nelson has PBO status with SARS and can issue Section 18A tax
Mandela University Trust; establishing the Nelson certificates for qualifying donations. Corporate governance
Mandela University Investment Company to drive certain of the Trust is in the hands of 10 Trustees. The Trust is
commercialisation projects and to explore opportunities independently audited and publishes a detailed annual
to make the University more financial sustainable in the report each year indicating how donations have been used.
medium- and long-term; and establishing the SRMA at a Since 2015, the Trust has more than doubled
strategic level within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor to the income it brings in to support Nelson Mandela
provide overall coordination of resource mobilisation and University. These achievements were only possible due
to implement certain strategic projects. to the generosity of the many individuals, NPOs, private
Under the leadership of Senior Director: Strategic sector companies and public sector entities which have
Resource Mobilisation and Advancement Dr Denver Webb, supported the University through the Trust.
the SRMA team aims to enhance the financial sustainability More information online at Nelson Mandela
of the University to meet present and future needs. University Trust.

6 | Thetha Edition 6 | 2022