An administrator at the University of Limpopo (UL) was recently recognised by the crowd-funding platform Feenix for exceptional administrative and professional performance, as well as inclusive excellence, which assist UL in meeting its funding strategic initiatives and contributing to the University achieving third-stream revenue
Administrative Officer at the University’s Reakgona Disability Centre (RDC), Refiloe Rangata, won the 2021 Beyond Excellence Award in appreciation of her continued willingness to go beyond the call of duty for students, and excellent administrative support during disbursement and student recruitment, and of course all round awesomeness.
Feenix is an online fundraising platform that connects students and communities to fundraise toward achieving debt-free education. Students can fundraise for current and/or historical debt (amount reflected on university fee statement), in addition, the scheme connects students with business communities for job placement and/or future employment opportunities.
Rangata stated that she has mastered the art of coexisting with students with disabilities and can easily relate to their needs. “I am capable of communing with people who have varying limitations, personalities, and weaknesses. That is why I was able to be resourceful for students with disabilities at the University of Limpopo.
“The award meant a great deal to me. Assisting students with disabilities is a blessing to me because they face unique challenges, which are exacerbated by the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic,” she explained.
She added that the funding was beneficial because it enabled the provision of assistive devices tailored to specific disabilities. “I worked extremely hard and went above and beyond. I worked weekends and overtime to ensure that students had the funding to avoid historical debts. I am relieved they will graduate, receive their certificates, and exit university debt-free,” Rangata stated.
“University costs are steadily rising, and the majority of students who rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are not only underfunded but also receive inconsistent support. Additional means of obtaining funds can be beneficial to students, allowing them to make the most of the opportunities that tertiary education can provide,” said Justice Phukubje, Acting Director: Reakgona Disability Centre
The University of Limpopo received a third-place award for its efforts in mobilising resources for students and assisting students on the platform in the 2021 academic year. According to Cara-Jean Petersen, Feenix Student Engagement Manager, “Feenix is a debt-free solution, meaning students do not need to pay back any funds raised via Feenix.”
Feenix has funded approximately 70 students with disabilities and 110 other students at the University of Limpopo, totaling approximately R10 million. Students with outstanding debt and those in need of funding are encouraged to create profiles on the platform (https://feenix.org/) and tell their need-for-funding story.
By Moses Moreroa