Education should never be determined by the circumstances into which someone is born. When the heavy weight of disadvantage and financial burden threatened Lehlohonolo Makhetha’s university studies, Feenix provided support that helped him rise and keep moving forward.
Johannesburg, South Africa (26 June 2026) – Fifty years ago, the youth of South Africa stood up and demanded the right to a future. Their courage changed the course of history. Today, a new generation of young people is still rising, still pushing forward, still refusing to give up on their futures. But the barriers they face are different, and in many cases, just as significant.
For Lehlohonolo Makhetha, the dream of continuing his education was never about a lack of ambition or hard work. After making it to the University of Johannesburg and setting his sights on a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Science (CTA), the biggest obstacle standing between him and his future was financial support.
Coming from a disadvantaged background, Lehlohonolo had no alternative funding solution, and the financial burden of further studies felt overwhelming. But an ad for an organisation called Feenix that he had once noticed on campus would later become the connection that helped him keep moving forward.
Speaking to Good Things Guy, graduate Lehlohonolo shared that had he not stumbled upon that promotion display on campus, he most likely would not have been able to complete his Bridging Programme in Theory of Accounting and pursue the CTA.
“I saw the Feenix advertisement/promotion painted on one of the shops, and what I gathered from the information displayed is that Feenix was involved in helping students access funding for higher education. At the time, I did not think much of it until I later found myself facing financial challenges and in need of support to continue my studies, and I then remembered the name. I searched Feenix online, explored the platform, and discovered an opportunity that would ultimately have a life-changing impact on my academic journey,” Lehlohonolo says.
For Lehlohonolo, who had no alternative funding solution, that support made the financial burden of further studies feel possible to overcome.
“Feenix really pulled through for me. Beyond the financial assistance, Feenix gave me hope and the opportunity to pursue my career aspirations without allowing financial constraints to define my future.”
A public benefit organisation that connects university students with funding communities and institutions through crowdfunding technology, Feenix has, since 2017, supported more than 6,000 students across 26 South African universities through a trusted, transparent model, verifying student information and paying funds directly to institutions to ensure measurable, accountable impact.
But for every student reached, many more remain without the support they need.
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“They are studying, working hard, overcoming setbacks and refusing to give up on their futures. Their resilience is remarkable. But resilience should not be the price of accessing education.
The organisation is currently running its We Rise campaign, where it invites individuals, businesses, and institutions to partner through bursaries, historic debt relief, or talent-to-career programmes.
“Because when we invest in a student, we invest in future leaders, future professionals, future innovators, and a stronger future for all of us,” Totyi emphasises.
Through the campaign, which will run across Youth Month, Mandela Month and Women’s Month, Feenix is inviting South Africans to rise together for the youth.
“Education should never be determined by the circumstances into which someone is born. Every day we see talented young people who have demonstrated remarkable resilience, commitment and potential, yet financial barriers continue to stand between them and their futures,” says Cara-Jean Petersen, CEO of Feenix.
Supporters can contribute to the Feenix Fund, which allocates funding where it is needed most, or back a verified student directly. For more information, visit the website.
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