In the second quarter of 2020, Universities South Africa (USAf) undertook to raise R1 billion in 24 months as a contribution to remedying the perennial financial challenges faced by university students and the higher education sector more generally. On 30 April 2021, the amount raised totalled R 571 080 719, well over half of the target amount.

The CoViD-19 pandemic has exacerbated the financial challenges faced by students and their families. Through its impact on the economy, the pandemic has also placed universities at significant financial risk. In light of this, it was decided to accelerate the fundraising drive by seeking and streamlining new lines of investment in higher education, thus maximising the impact of USAf as the higher education hub.