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16 PHILANTHROPY MAGAZINE%u2018Despite its successes, TuSEF has faced challenges in sustaining its momentum. The initial surge of donations has slowed, and many of the fund%u2019s 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.%u2019DR ASANDA KUSEa 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 %u2013 of healing, serving and uplifting communities %u2013 was left unfulfilled.However, his story did not end there. In the wake of Seliane%u2019s 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 academicallydeserving 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.Lifeline Timeline%u2022 2016: A fundraising gala dinner was held, raising crucial funds to support medical students.%u2022 2018: Responding to a plea from the Medical School SRC, TuSEF provided grocery vouchers to struggling students.%u2022 Book Donation Drive: Graduating students donated their medical textbooks to students in need.%u2022 2019: The Care for 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.%u2022 2021: TuSEF distributed R30 000 to students struggling to register for their studies.%u2022 February 2025: A final-year medical student facing financial exclusion reached out to TuSEF for help. Within hours/days, over R73 000 was raised to cover part of his outstanding debt and registration fees through generous contributions from TuSEF and alumni.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, %u2018Despite its successes, TuSEF has faced challenges in sustaining its momentum. The initial surge of donations has slowed, and many of the fund%u2019s 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.%u2019FEATURETUMELO SELIANE EDUCATION FUNDR1 MILLIONR900 000R800 000R700 000R600 000R500 000R400 000R300 000R200 000R100 000R900 000R800 000R700 000R600 000R500 000R400 000R300 000R200 000R100 000R900 000R800 000R700 000R600 000R500 000R400 000R300 000R200 000R100 000R900 000R800 000R700 000R600 000R500 000R400 000R300 000R200 000R100 0002015 2016 2019 2024