Twenty bursaries of approximately R1,8 million for the “missing middle” were received from the Hillensberg Trust this year.

These bursaries were made available to selected students of the North-West University (NWU) who study health sciences and music.

During the past four years the NWU has received approximately R5,5 million from this trust.

According to the provisions of the trust, academics and study leaders select the bursary recipients on academic merit, with a specific focus on families in the “missing middle”. These are families with an income of approximately R600 000 per year who fall outside the guidelines for NSFAS bursaries.

The Hillensberg bursaries make provision for students’ tuition fees, accommodation, meals and books. A holder of a bursary receives the money from their year of application to the end of their studies. In some cases, provision is also made for postgraduate studies.

The NWU appointed a mentor for this group of students to look after their wellness and needs. If necessary, these students are also reprimanded if they do not perform academically.

• The Hillensberg Trust was founded by Leo Karl Dreissen and his wife, Frederika Maria Hoebert. Dreissen was born in Germany in 1909 and died in South Africa in 1975.

He founded the company United Car and Diesel Distributors, and owned the South African concessions for Mercedes Benz and DKW.

Him and his wife never had any children and they founded the Hillensberg Trust for academically meritorious students.