UKZN’s new sugar daddy? Duduzane Zuma vows to pay student fees

Duduzane Zuma is making the most of his rehabilitated public image, and on Monday, he promised to financially assist students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) who were unable to fund their education. The move has turned heads across South Africa, but the businessman is ready to help.

How much money does Duduzane Zuma want to give UKZN students?

Despite a barrage of jokes about where the money is coming from – the Guptas and the taxpayer were the two most-popular shouts – Zuma Jnr has stood firm to help honour a pledge made by his father Jacob in 2017. In one of his last acts as president, Msholozi implemented a free higher education policy for disadvantaged students.

Duduzane Zuma uploaded a video online yesterday, pledging an undisclosed amount for students who were fiscally excluded a after receiving letters asking for financial assistance. It’s thought that the amount will rise to something in the region of R2 million – a significant donation, by anyone’s standards.

#duduzanezuma Duduzane has given 2 million rands to students who suffered financial exclusion at UKZN. wow!

— Teddy Msweli (@MsweliTeddy) February 24, 2020

“We’re smarter than this”

After confirming his willingness to donate cash to needy students, he sent them a heartfelt message, pleading with the youngsters to “stop burning buildings”. Protests at UKZN have turned ugly in recent weeks, with some demonstrations only dispersed thanks to the use of Casspirs and armoured vehicles.

“To my good brothers at UKZN, let’s stop burning our buildings. We’re smarter than this. I understand your frustrations, I understand your anger. Let’s channel our frustrations, let’s hone in on our anger and let’s make a difference. We will sit down, I will come to you and we will do what needs to be done,”

Duduzane Zuma

Son of the soil!@Duduzane__Zuma @PresJGZuma @UKZN pic.twitter.com/Syhz5n3m0X

— TheUprisingCadre (@Bibo_Azevedo_F) February 24, 2020

Why are UKZN students protesting?

A large group of returning students have continuously disrupted campus activity, after they were told that those with historical debt, had to pay at least 15% of the total amount to qualify for registration.

UKZN students have made it clear that they cannot afford this and that the promises of free higher education, once made by former president Jacob Zuma, need to be kept by the government. Students have also protested over accommodation shortages.