In June 2020, SITFE Management conducted a short online survey to understand the learning environment of the SITFE students during the COVID-19 pandemic, as requested by SITFE Trustees. Based on the responses, from the institutions that have launched online learning, Management noted that five UKZN students were experiencing difficulties accessing the online learning platforms due to lack of access to devices. This would poses a risk on the SITFE investment of approximately R500 000 per annum budget towards study assistance for these students. Upon contacting UKZN, SITFE was informed that laptops had only been issued to NSFAS bursary holders and that the University was only able to support learners with free data and zero-rated platforms. Subsequently, the SITFE Trustees agreed to awarding 5 laptops to UKZN disadvantaged SITFE students at no cost.