Zuki Lamani, a popular influencer from Khayelitsha, Cape Town, is reaching out to fellow South Africans for help in paying her university fees.
Zuki is in her final year of a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Media Studies at the prestigious University of Cape Town (UCT). However, she faces a financial barrier that could prevent her from graduating, with an outstanding balance of R240,000.
The Challenge of the “Missing Middle”
Zuki explained her situation, stating:
“I am a young woman from Khayelitsha, and I chose UCT for its prestige and the promise of a brighter future. My passion for language and media fuels my decision to pursue these fields, but without financial assistance, I cannot register and complete my studies.”
She continued, “I’ve applied for NSFAS funding but was rejected due to the R350,000 household income cap. My family’s income is just below R600,000, putting me in the ‘missing middle’—unable to afford fees but also ineligible for financial aid.”
Her Urgent Appeal for Donations
Currently, Zuki has set up a BackaBuddy account in the hopes of raising the necessary funds. To date, she has raised R840, a long way from the R240,000 she needs.
Zuki says,
“I have been blocked from registering due to the university’s policy on fee blocks. Any contribution, no matter how small, would make a big difference. I am passionate about education and want to finish my studies so I can contribute to South Africa’s youth and enter the job market.”
How You Can Help
Zuki’s situation is a call to action for anyone who believes in the power of education. By donating to her BackaBuddy campaign, you can help ensure she can register, graduate, and pursue her dreams in the media and linguistics field.
