Zunaid Moti’s Pay It Forward fund gives students a financial boost

Tarryn Leigh Solomons

MotiviMoves Pay It Forward has opened applications for a R1 million financial assistance initiative to help first-year students overcome cost barriers that prevent thousands of young South Africans from registering for tertiary studies each year.

Launched by entrepreneur Zunaid Moti, the initiative offers R10 000 each to 100 first-year students. Funds are paid directly to accredited universities and colleges to cover registration or tuition fees, easing the pressure during one of the most critical moments in a student’s academic journey.

Bridging the gap between acceptance and enrolment

Gaining admission to a university or college marks a major achievement, but payment deadlines often follow within weeks. For many families, these upfront costs decide whether a student registers or defers their studies.

First-year study costs at leading institutions range from R50 000 to more than R100 000 a year. Registration fees of several thousand rand are usually due before classes begin. For households under financial strain, these amounts place higher education out of reach.

The Pay It Forward fund addresses this gap, providing support when it matters most.

“Getting accepted is only half the journey,” says Moti. “For many families, the real challenge starts when the February payment deadlines arrive. Pay It Forward is designed to step in at that moment, when a well-placed contribution determines whether a student takes up their place or not.”

Why this support matters now

South Africa’s demand for higher education continues to grow. More than 1.8 million students were enrolled at tertiary institutions last year, with similar numbers expected in 2026.

State funding remains limited. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme received close to 894 000 applications for 2026 alone. These figures exclude a large group of students who earn above the NSFAS threshold but still lack the means to fund their studies, leaving a persistent funding gap.

The Pay It Forward initiative addresses this shortfall by supporting students who have already earned admission but face immediate financial barriers.

Who can apply

MotiviMoves Pay It Forward is open to South African residents aged 18 and older who have been accepted to study at an accredited tertiary institution in 2026, in any field.

The fund does not cover full degrees. Its purpose is to reduce upfront costs that often prevent timely registration and disrupt study plans before they begin.

“The principle behind Pay It Forward is accountability and momentum,” says Moti. “These students have already earned their place. This support helps them cross the line into registration, with the hope that they will one day support someone else in the same way.”

MotiMoves and long-term youth empowerment

The initiative is part of MotiMoves, a free business and entrepreneurship programme that equips young South Africans with access to opportunity, mentorship, and practical support.

Beyond education funding, MotiMoves has backed start-up ventures, sponsored young athletes, hosted entrepreneurship webinars and supported aspiring business leaders through mentorship.

Moti also encourages businesses and individuals to contribute, noting that shared support extends the programme’s reach and impact.

“There is more the business community needs to do to prepare young people for meaningful participation in the economy. Education remains one of the strongest levers to address long-term youth unemployment, but support must continue, and leaders need to invest directly in students’ academic journeys.”

Full entry details and terms are available at www.motimoves.co.za.