Education legend donates to the University of Pretoria 

The celebrated Laureate recipient, Ms Elizabeth Steijn, who passed away in January 2010, has bequeathed R7 million to the University of Pretoria. These funds will be used for bursaries for students who are in financial need or academically deserving, and for supporting the Centre for Contextual Ministry. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Cheryl de la Rey, met with the relatives of Ms Steijn on 19 January to acknowledge the donation. 

“Juffrou Steijn” was well known as the legendary principal of the Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool in Pretoria from 1945 to 1962. On 26 June 2008 she celebrated her 100^th birthday and she was presented with the prestigious Laureate Award from the University in the same year. 

At the function, Prof De la Rey conveyed the University’s appreciation for the endowment made by Ms Steijn and also acknowledged the relationship that the University of Pretoria has with the Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool. Prof De la Rey hailed Ms Steijn as a woman who chose to lead and make a significant contribution to education in South Africa. She described her as “a person who had a sense of vision about the future, who ensured that the fundamental value of education continues long after her death”. 

The first bursaries will be awarded next year. 

 
Back: Mrs Cecile de Kock, Prof Cheryl de la Rey (Vice-Chancellor and
Principal), Ms Marna Jordaan and Mrs Marlese Nel. Ms Desire Joubert sits
in front.