The academy focuses on developing business and life skills in equal measure among young people between the ages of 18 and 27, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

According to the programme co-ordinator, Thandeka Kunene, the programme accommodates 50 students, and runs for six months. "Needy but deserving students will be allowed to participate.

"We are not really interested in the background of their education. All we want is people who are passionate and career-driven. The programme will strive to build both entrepreneurial acumen and self-confidence in students."

Kunene explained that this dual emphasis was a key philosophy behind the academy. "We believe that by building self-confidence alongside functional skills, our students will be in a better position to overcome challenging obstacles. The learning will thus be deeply grounded in students' own lives and realities."

The academy reflected a commitment within UJ to make tertiary education more accessible to a wider pool of South Africans, she said.

"The main purpose of the academy is to give tertiary education opportunities to those talented individuals who, because of their circumstances - be it lack of finance or education and skills - fall through the cracks and don't get the opportunity in life they deserve," said Thami Mazwai, the director of the CSBD.

Applications for admission to the Raymond Ackerman Academy close on Monday, 19 January; on 22 and 23 January there will be a selection process for the students who applied. The course begins on Monday, 26 January.

People interested in applying for a place on the programme can contact the CSBD on 011 559 5649 or the UJ reception on 011 559 5529, and ask for the Raymond Ackerman Academy, or send an email to Thandeka Kunene on thandekak@uj.ac.za This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tinashe Mushayanyama on tinashem@uj.ac.za This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .