Lightstone, a leading provider of real time data and analytics insights to the property and automotive industries, has always placed great emphasis on investing in the future generation.
One of its subsidiaries, Loop, has recently taken a step further in this direction by donating laptops and laptop bags valued at approximately R100 000 to eight deserving students from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus on 5 April 2024.
The students, who are enrolled in IT and computer sciences programmes, were elated to receive the much-needed equipment that will aid them in their academic pursuits.
As part of this partnership, Lightstone has already provided partial bursaries of about R300 000 to six students from the Vanderbijlpark Campus who are pursuing IT and finance-related programmes.
Nhlanhla Mabuza, head of human resources at Lightstone, says the company has always been committed to empowering the youth by investing in their education and skills development. “The partnership with the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus is a step towards achieving this goal. These bursaries will help deserving students pursue their dreams and build a successful career in the fields of IT and finance.”
Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations says the NWU’s collaboration with Lightstone has a longstanding history, dating back to 2016.
“Throughout the years, this partnership has been fortified, reflecting a steadfast dedication to mutual growth and support. A pivotal factor contributing to the success of this partnership lies in the shared vision and values that serve as its foundation, ensuring a brighter future for our students,” she adds.
Nhlanhla says the donated laptops and partial bursary contribution by Loop will go a long way in bridging the digital divide and enabling the students to access online resources, conduct research, and complete assignments more efficiently. “The laptops are equipped with the latest software and hardware, ensuring that the students have access to state-of-the-art technology,” he adds.
Overall, Lightstone's support and investment in the future of young students is commendable and sets a shining example for other companies to follow.
In the front left to right are IT and computer science students and laptop recipients Xoliswa Bekana, Oratile Khechane, Izwelethu Gamede and Vezulwazi Hlabangane.
In the back from left are Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations, Nhlanhla Mabuza, head of human resources at Lightstone, Musa Radebe, human resources business partner at Lightstone, Silvanus Welcome, NWU director for development and fundraising, Katlego Radebe, a representative from Loop, and Balisa Mancayi, senior fundraising specialist at the NWU.
