S.W.A.T Foundation and Corporation initiatives empower students
By: Tayron Mhlongo – 28 March 2024
Recently, the Management Sciences Department of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) played host to the Students Workers and Teachers Co-operative Financial Institution, affectionately known as the S.W.A.T Community Foundation. Established by the visionary VUT alumni, Mr. Amen Dzvarai, S.W.A.T embodies a strong dedication to social impact and external stakeholder engagement. The event took place at the prestigious Desmond Tutu Great Hall and was powered by Cell C, a symbol of innovation providing customized financial services tailored to meet the distinct requirements of South African students.
By embarking on a resolute mission to combat poverty, empower the youth, and enrich their university experience, the S.W.A.T team’s primary goal during their visit was to broaden their impact among university students. Their aim is to establish a platform for students’ saving and credit needs, with a focus on launching innovative products and services such as mobile banking solutions and financial literacy workshops. This strategic approach not only empowers their members further but also enhances their economic well-being.
Central to S.W.A.T’s mission is addressing poverty through sustainable initiatives. Recognizing food scarcity as a critical aspect of poverty in South Africa and beyond, the foundation focuses on agricultural projects that extend into energy solutions. By starting at the grassroots level of food production and progressing towards economic empowerment. “These initiatives encompass a broad spectrum of projects aimed at eradicating poverty,” stated S.W.A.T’s President and chairperson, Mr. Paseka Lesolang. He added that the foundation’s multifunctional strategy ensures inclusivity and relevance across disciplinary boundaries by matching the wide range of academic backgrounds of its members.
Transitioning to the S.W.A.T Corporation, the focus shifts towards addressing practical challenges faced by students during their academic journey and beyond. From providing essential tools like laptops and internet access to facilitating access to transportation options such as cars, the corporation aims to empower students with resources vital for their educational and professional growth. As students navigate the transition from academia to the job market, challenges such as limited credit history for property ownership become visible. The corporation recognizes obstacles and seeks to support graduates in overcoming financial barriers by offering guidance on prudent investments and financial planning strategies.
AT VUT S.W.A.T has started as a pilot project of a stokvel called Smart Saving with plans to spread to other South African colleges and universities. “Using the collected purchasing power of students, this project focuses on negotiating collectively to get better terms from service providers, shops, and possible employers with a joining fee of R100. It promotes inclusion by meeting a wide range of needs, including those for groceries, clothes, data plans, and internships.,” explained Mr Lesolang.
He further alluded that, “the success of this program depends on the active participation of the students. Through their participation in open discussions, brainstorming sessions, and decision-making processes, students play a crucial role in determining the collective’s direction and priorities. Every student’s voice and idea are valued.”
As this project aims to expand, it has the power to revolutionize student empowerment and wellbeing by encouraging cooperation, resilience, and initiative-taking participation in building a better future for all students, both inside and outside of the educational environment.
The SWAT presidents talk was then followed by an open discussion which allowed students to share their perspectives on the S.W.A.T’s initiatives. Some proposed extending benefits to international students for a more inclusive approach. Suggestions included tailoring packages to meet specific student needs, such as providing specialized equipment for art students or facilitating internships leading to full-time employment. The program, which addresses the matter of benefit claim maturity periods, seeks to provide both long-term solutions and immediate assistance in times of need. To give students, access to support when they need it most, mechanisms for periodic benefit access are now being created.
In a nutshell, the collaborative initiatives of the SWAT Foundation and Corporation represent a broad plan for preparing students for success while encouraging community involvement and tackling societal issues. These projects will open the door to a better future where people can succeed academically, professionally, and socially by connecting education with real-world support.