The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) ‘Missing Middle’ fundraising campaign received a two million rand cash boost from one of South Africa’s major financial institutions, First National Bank (FNB).

The sponsorship was confirmed with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support students who do not qualify for the National Student Finance Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and student loans.

Since its launch in February 2016, the ‘Missing Middle’ campaign, one of the biggest fundraising campaigns ever undertaken by a South African institution of higher learning, raised over R 70-million to support academically deserving students.

“FNB believes strongly in supporting educational programmes that focus on developing communities and investing in young minds. We are pleased to extend this support to UJ as the institution’s banking partner,” said Kgosi Ledimo, CEO FNB Public Sector Banking.

Speaking at the signing, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Ihron Rensburg encouraged, that FNB’s investment in education at UJ will yield greater returns for South Africa’s future.

“This investment is testament that FNB supports the University’s commitment to shape and empower the country’s future leaders,” said Prof Rensburg.