What does a lawyer who hails from Pella in the Northern Cape have in common with an aspirant lawyer who grew up in Mitchells Plain? Resilience, ambition, courage and passion actually – to name but a few.

Meet Mikhail Hendricks, Stellenbosch University (SU) law student and recipient of an Amicus bursary, with aspirations to make a positive contribution in South Africa. He is primed to walk in the footsteps of SU alumnus Aubrey Magerman, who also received a bursary during his student days – and is now a sterling professional in his field.

Aubrey is paying it forward as an Amicus Fund Committee Member and donor. Amicus is a latin word, meaning friends. It's a group of friends of the Law Faculty: former students, attorneys and advocates, who provide funding for bursaries for current students.

The story of the Amicus Fund, which has been active over the past 20 years, highlights the power of collective giving. Set up by alumni for current law students, the fund helps future practitioners fill in the gaps of financial aid.

"Without the support of the Amicus Fund bursary, I would have been less focused. Now I can focus on my work and I'm so grateful for that," Mikhail says. 

A student might need R20 000 to pay off his/her outstanding balance on their student account so that they can graduate, or R5 000 to buy important textbooks for the next exam.

That's where the many individual donors of the Amicus Fund step in to save the day. You too can add your contribution to the phenomenal power of collective giving. Pay it forward for someone today: give your gift here.