Professor Karin Baatjies has a simple birthday wish: help healthcare students and the future of our healthcare system. But, she’s not just relying on lucky candles to make this happen.
Stellenbosch, South Africa (25 April 2025) — Professor Karin Baatjies of Stellenbosch University has once again put her birthday to the best use for the betterment of students and the future of our Healthcare System.
As the Vice Dean of Learning and Teaching for the University, Prof Baatjies knows well the struggles higher education students face financially. However, she’s not merely relying on lucky birthday candles to make the help happen!
Once again, the Prof is the driving force behind Birthday for Bursaries; an initiative that’s all about getting active and fundraising for the next generation set to lead our healthcare system.
Now in its third year, Birthday for Bursaries unites people through different challenges in a bid to raise funds and have fun in the process.
This year the activities included the Tyger Run/Walk, the Cape Town Cycle Tour, The Two Oceans Marathon and the 2025 Merrell Mammoth Woodridge Adventure Race. The funds raised contribute to the Ithemba Bursary Fund which provides essential financial help to deserving students.
In an exciting update, Birthday for Bursaries is rapidly nearing its target of R80,000, with Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences reporting that almost R70,000 has been raised already.
“This fund provides crucial financial support to health sciences students, ensuring no bright mind is left behind due to financial constraints,” shares the Prof.
Meanwhile in more news where healthcare workers are getting a boost, the Groote Schuur Hospital Trust has launched its own plan of action to support emergency surgeries in a bid to save more lives, more effectively. Read more, here.
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