BURSARIES
& BOREHOLES
Helping in the healthcare space
The partnership between Gift of the Givers and Bonitas has , and will continue to have , a positive impact in a quintet of interventions in the field of healthcare . The partnership , which began in 2018 , continues this year , with an additional investment of R3.3 million . This includes bursaries to final-year medical students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the provisions of boreholes and access to clean , running water at various health facilities across the country .
Lee Callakoppen , Principal Officer , says , ‘ the association with Gift of the Givers goes back a few years when we supported various projects on an adhoc basis . The partnership is aimed at identifying health related projects being undertaken by the Gift of the Givers , to which Bonitas can add value .
‘ In 2022 , we aligned our CSI initiatives to our mantra : ‘ A Medical Aid for South Africa ’. The purpose : To provide relief to the most vulnerable and marginalised communities , specifically in the field of healthcare . And who better to partner with than this leading philanthropic organisation in the country .’
‘ Gift of the Givers continues to go beyond the call of duty to bring humanitarian aid where needed . It has built its reputation on the principles we , as corporate citizens , also value : Respect , care , professionalism and dedication . We are proud to be partnering with them once again .’
Bursaries for 6th year medical students
In December last year , eight medical students in their 6th and final year of study at the University of KwaZulu Natal , received bursaries . The bursaries cover outstanding and current fees , enabling them to complete their final year of medicine and graduate as doctors at the end of this year . The students were selected based on their academic results and financial needs and they were vetted by the University as promising students in need . They are diverse in terms of the background and locations , with a strong desire to enhance the healthcare landscape in South Africa .
Boreholes at healthcare facilities
Water is the gift of life and no more so than in a healthcare setting . It is essential to run a medical facility – whether it ’ s a hospital or clinic or the communities around them . Critical shortages of water are hindering the provision of quality healthcare in a number of public healthcare facilities . Six hospitals and clinics have been identified by Gift of the as being in urgent need of water interventions . They are located in the Eastern Cape , Gauteng , KZN and Free State and the healthcare facilities include a psychiatric hospital , general hospitals , clinics and an orphanage . The due date for completion on these projects is April this year .
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman says , ‘ All the projects we have partnered with Bonitas on , have been a great success and we look forward to continuing working with them . In fact , soon after our staff became members of Bonitas in 2019 , we knew there was synergy in our ethos , that a collaboration in the healthcare space with the Fund would be a success .
‘ We are in the fortunate position of having the relationships in place to actively execute the necessary healthcare interventions , together with Bonitas . We are thrilled at the success of this continued partnership .’
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Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 1 / 2024