NZUSA believes in building bridges to South Africa. We also believe in isolating the unjust elements in South African society to work towards the end of racism in that part of the world.

Thus the bridges we do build are carefully considered to be the most appropriate and beneficial possible.

This is why NZUSA has brought Henry Isaacs to New Zealand as the first recipient of the NZUSA Southern Africa Scholarship. We want the educational opportunities available to the 'whites only' on South Africa to be extended to the victims of racism in South Africa and Southern Rhodesia.

So each year NZUSA intends to bring a student to New Zealand for university studies. We feel that this will provide a chance to help Southern Africa in a very substantial way - education is the most valuable investment possible for the future of any country. Each recipient of the Scholarship will also be able to describe the up-to-date situation in Southern Africa and will be available to talk to a large and diverse number of groups in New Zealand - education of New Zealanders is regarded as an integral part of the Scholarship Who better to provide that education than a victim of racism?

What is the Southern Africa Scholarship?

Firstly it is a source of funds, just like any other scholarship, to enable the recipient to live and study in New Zealand. His or her accommodation and tuition fees will be paid for from the scholarship funds as well as an allowance for day to day expenses. The sum required will vary each year with changes in the cost of living.

We appeal for funds to make possible the continuation of this scholarship. This we hope to do by building up a sufficient sum to enable the scholarship to be continued on the interest gained on capital without having to appeal to the public each year.

Selection will be made from students who are recommended by organisations working with the student groups in South Africa and the student organisations themselves. Preference will be given to students who are persecuted by the South African authorities for political reasons, especially those under a banning order and unable to study in South Africa.

A selection panel will consist of representatives from NZUSA and other groups concerned with university education who have been invited to join.