Foundation

The Tumelo Seliane Education Fund (TuSEF) stands as a beacon of hope for medical students at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine. Founded in 2015 by the UKZN MBChB Class of 2015 and facilitated by the UKZN Foundation, TuSEF was created to honour the memory of Tumelo Seliane – a determined and compassionate medical student whose journey was marked by resilience and selflessness.

TuSEF embodies Seliane’s unwavering commitment to service, ensuring that no academically deserving medical student is forced to abandon their studies due to financial constraints. The fund specifically supports students in their critical clinical years (4-6), helping them complete their degrees and contribute to South Africa’s healthcare system.

Born in Matatiele in rural Eastern Cape, Seliane was no ordinary student; he was a fighter, mentor, friend and above all, a servant leader. He knew firsthand the struggle of financial exclusion, having faced it himself. But rather than surrender to his challenges, he chose to uplift others who were walking the same difficult road.

As an active member of the Medical School Representative Council, Seliane co-founded the Care for a Colleague initiative – a programme that provided struggling students with grocery vouchers, toiletries and study materials. He spent his time advocating for his peers, always ensuring that no student felt alone in their struggles.

His passion for people was undeniable, however, despite his academic brilliance and selfless service, Seliane himself was not immune to financial struggles. At one point, he was temporarily excluded from medical school due to unpaid fees, yet his spirit remained unbroken. With the help of friends, classmates and the Umthombo Youth Development Foundation, he was able to return to his studies.

Tragically, his journey was cut short by a car accident in his final year of medical school. His dream of becoming a doctor – of healing, serving and uplifting communities – was left unfulfilled.

However, his story did not end there. In the wake of Seliane’s passing, his classmates, the UKZN MBChB Class of 2015, decided to honour his memory in a way that truly reflected his values by creating a fund called TuSEF.

TuSEF has a singular mission: to ensure that no academically- deserving medical student at UKZN is forced to drop out due to financial difficulties.

In the years since its establishment, TuSEF has provided vital assistance to struggling students, offering not just financial support, but hope.

Since its inception, TuSEF has been a lifeline for many students, providing assistance where it is needed most:

• 2016: A fundraising gala dinner was held, raising crucial funds to support medical students.
• 2018: Responding to a plea from the Medical School SRC, TuSEF provided grocery vouchers to struggling students.
• Book Donation Drive: Graduating students donated their medical textbooks to students in need.
• 2019: The Care 4 A Colleague Box was launched, encouraging students to contribute non-perishable food, sanitary items and medical resources to their peers. Unfortunately, the initiative was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2021: TuSEF distributed R30 000 to students struggling to register for their studies.
• February 2025: A final-year medical student facing financial exclusion reached out to TuSEF for help. Within weeks, over R73 000 was raised to cover his outstanding debt and registration fees.

Each of these moments reflects the spirit of Seliane, a young man who refused to let financial struggles define his future.

TuSEF Chairperson and former class of 2015 class representative Dr Asanda Kuse said, ‘Despite its successes, TuSEF has faced challenges in sustaining its momentum. The initial surge of donations has slowed, and many of the fund’s founders have moved into their professional careers. But the mission remains urgent, and TuSEF is determined to raise R1 million to establish a sustainable endowment.’

Upcoming Initiatives:

• TuSEF Re-launch (2025): A renewed campaign to reintroduce the fund and attract more donors.
• Fun Run Fundraiser: A community-driven event to engage students, alumni and corporate sponsors.
• 10-year Reunion of the Class of 2015 (2026): A milestone celebration of TuSEF’s impact and a fundraising effort to meet the R1 million goal before its 10th anniversary.

‘Every student who receives help from TuSEF is another step toward a stronger healthcare system for South Africa. Your contribution – no matter how small – has the power to change a life,’ said Kuse.

How to Donate

• Monthly debit order: Commit as little as R50 per month to sustain the fund.
• EFT donations:
  • Account name: University of KwaZulu-Natal Foundation Trust
  • Bank: Standard Bank
  • Account no: 242095305
  • Branch no: 045426
  • Reference: TuSEF
• Online giving: Visit UKZN Foundation to make a secure donation. Choose TuSEF from the drop-down menu.

Said Kuse, ‘TuSEF is not just about financial assistance. It is about honouring a young man’s legacy, about ensuring that the next generation of doctors never have to experience the heartbreak of exclusion. It is about standing together – as students, alumni and a community. Tumelo Seliane dreamed of healing others. Today, you can help keep that dream alive.’

For more information, contact the UKZN Foundation at foundation@ukzn.ac.za or call +27 (0)31 260 2020.

Article By: Melissa Mungroo