Scholarship Motivates PhD Student

Ms Louansha Nandlal.

Hard work and dedication has paid off for 23-year-old PhD student, Ms Louansha Nandlal, who has been awarded the prestigious UKZN Doctoral Scholarship Award. 

‘Receiving this award is a huge career accomplishment for me. It gives me a sense of pride and also motivates me to work even harder especially when the end result is this rewarding.  My greatest goal right now is to complete my PhD which I am currently registered for at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine,’ said a jubilant Nandlal. 

She added:  ‘When you give off more than expected, you always stand out,’ she expressed. 

The Medical Science PhD student at UKZN’s College of Health Sciences says her study will investigate the impact of genetic mutations on the clinical spectrum of congenital nephrotic syndrome in Black Africans and she wishes to complete her PhD within a maximum of three years. 

She said although she worked extremely hard, she had no idea that she would receive such recognition. 

‘During my Master’s degree, I had several setbacks but despite this I never gave up and continued to strive and give it my best.  So far I have not encountered any challenges with my PhD study but I do know sample collection, like with most research studies that involve human subjects, is going to be a great task.’ 

She said Medical science was always a childhood dream for her. Alongside this, she always had a genuine interest in health and the causes of several diseases, hence she decided to head in the direction of research with the hope that her findings would make a difference in South Africa’s healthcare sector. 

Lihle Sosibo

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Three BPharm Students Appreciative of Frene Ginwala Scholarship

Frene Ginwala Scholarship Recipients, Ms Bongeka Xulu, Ms Nonsikelelo Ndimande and Ms Nobuhle Nsele.

Three Bachelor of Pharmacy students, Ms Nonsikelelo Precious Ndimande, Ms Nobuhle Nsele and Ms Bongeka Celimpilo Xulu, have expressed gratitude for being awarded the prestigious Frene Ginwala Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded to top Black African women entrants arriving at the University as new undergraduate students.

‘I feel like my hard work is appreciated, someone out there noticed how hard I work and that has made my family happy and proud,’ Ndimande said.

For Ndimande the scholarship means she can further her studies without having to worry about fees.

Her future plans include working in a Pharmaceutical company and furthering her studies so that she can gain more knowledge on Drug Design.

Ndimande’s siblings keep her going, ‘I want to be a role model to them, I want them to look up to me and be proud of what I have become.’

Born in Jozini, northern KwaZulu-Natal, Ndimande described herself as an ordinary girl who has dreams to fulfill. Xulu said the award would make her life a little bit easier, ‘My family is so grateful that I received this scholarship since they can’t really afford my school fees. They feel blessed beyond measure and so am I.’ 

Xulu hails from a big family of 10 children and her father is the sole breadwinner. 

Nsele said the award meant a lot to her and will help her achieve her academic goals.  ‘I will have time to focus on my studies without any financial stress. I am grateful for getting the scholarship and I will do my best to maintain good results,’ said Nsele. 

Nsele believes that education is a powerful weapon that will lead to the fulfilment of her dreams.

She advised her fellow students to always know what they want in life, ‘Follow excellence and success will follow you.’ 

Nombuso Dlamini

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CHS Students make their Families Proud with Scholarship Award

Malegapuru William Makgoba Scholarship Award Recipients: Mr Taahir Suleman, Ms Casey Lee Naude, Ms Fathima Suleman, Ms Azra Haroon Paruk and Ms Sabiha Bassa.

Three students from the College of Health Sciences were awarded the Malegapuru William Makgoba Scholarship for their outstanding academic performance. 

The students are Ms Casey Lee Naude, Ms Azra Haroon Paruk and Ms Sabiha Bassa. 

Naude is from Biokinetics Sports and Leisure Science (BELS) while Paruk and Bassa are Pharmacy students. 

Named after the former Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UKZN, the scholarship is awarded to five top-ranked undergraduates proceeding from first-year to second-year of study in each of the four Colleges. The recipients are therefore the top students selected among thousands of their colleagues in each College of the University.  

‘I am very grateful to have received this award. I dedicate a lot of my time into my studies and it is such an honour to be awarded for my hard work,’ said Naude. 

She said her family has supported her throughout her academic career and is proud that she was awarded the scholarship. ‘This scholarship means as much to them as it does to me,’ said an elated Naude. 

She invests a lot of time and effort into her books. ‘It’s also a great financial help as both my brother and I are studying at tertiary institutions and I work part-time to assist my parents.’ 

Naude’s future plan is to establish her own Biokinetics practice. She advised her fellow students to work hard and do their best. ‘That doesn’t mean that everyone has to aim to be one of the top achievers but always make sure that you are proud of your work.’ 

Paruk said the award was proof that hard work pays off. 

‘I feel blessed to be able to receive such a prestigious award. I am already fortunate enough to be studying at this outstanding Institution and studying what I love,’ said Paruk. 

She said her family is her biggest anchor ‘What also keeps me going is that I am not afraid to work hard for what I want. I continuously set goals and strive to achieve them. My religion is important, it keeps me grounded and humble.’ 

Bassa, who comes from a family of high achievers said being awarded the scholarship has made her family proud. 

‘Dad’s crowing about it to anyone who will lend him an ear,’ said Bassa. 

‘It has taken me by complete surprise and now I have higher goals to achieve. It drives a desire in me to be the best I can possibly be!’ she continued. 

Bass always strives to be the best she can be. 

She thanked the funders of the scholarship, ‘The acknowledgement will be etched in my memoirs forever. Thank you for contributing in such an awesome manner to my life’s journey. 

Nombuso Dlamini

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Scholarship Paves Path to Academia for CHS Students

Talent Equity and Excellence recipients Mr Andile Faya, Mr Simphiwe Mabaso and Ms Hlengiwe Buthelezi.

Three students from the College of Health Sciences are relishing the prospect of careers in academia after they were awarded the Talent Equity and Excellence Scholarship. 

The prestigious scholarship is funded by the University to enable it to grow the next generation of academics by identifying potential talent in the final years of undergraduate study and at postgraduate levels. It forms part of Human Resource’s Graduate Development Programme. 

The three recipients are Mr Andile Faya, a Health Sciences PhD candidate and two Master of Nursing students, Mr Simphiwe Mabaso and Ms Hlengiwe Buthelezi.  

For Mabaso the scholarship is a “Master key” to unlock his dream of joining the world of academia, ‘After completion of my Master’s degree I want to work as a lecturer at the University and register for a PhD in Nursing,’ he said. 

The 24-year-old Mabaso hopes to make a difference in the health system through research in order to assist his community. 

He hails from the Baldaskraal area in Ladysmith and is last born in a family of six children. His father is a pensioner while his mother is a cook at a local crèche. 

Buthelezi echoed similar sentiments saying the scholarship helped her realise her dream of attaining education.  ‘When I was young I wanted to be an educated person but I thought I will be limited by my family background. I am very excited to be one of the recipients of the TEEAP scholarship. My parents are very jubilant and proud of me,’ said an excited Buthelezi. 

Her future plans include obtaining a PhD and occupying a high position at UKZN. She also plans to continue with her studies at one of the top international universities and to publish books. 

She advised those who share the same aspirations as here to aim for the stars. ‘Never allow your background to limit. Always excel in whatever you do and keep on believing in yourself and your dreams.’ 

Buthelezi thanked the funders of the scholarship for opening opportunities to Black students and believing in them. Faya was equally excited saying the scholarship offers him an opportunity to continue studying towards his PhD, ‘This tells me that the University and the College of Health Sciences has recognised my hard work and dedication towards my specific field of research. 

Faya said his family is excited at the prospects of him becoming a lecturer and being able to secure an academic post before he could finish his PhD. His future plans include working towards starting a research group that will focus on combining the different disciplines he had the privilege of being exposed to. 

He thanked the funders of the scholarship for investing in the future of the country and for believing that something good will come out of this initiative. 

‘This will continue to inspire students to think more about choosing a career in academia. I am passionate about human development and developing relevant knowledge that will improve the human condition,’ Faya said.

Nombuso Dlamini

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Pharmacy Student Humbled by Townley Williams Scholarship

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‘I am truly humbled, privileged and honoured to be chosen to receive this prestigious award,’ said Bachelor of Pharmacy student Ms Sarah Mayet after receiving the Townley Williams Scholarship. 

The scholarship is awarded to the best student entering the final year of study.  

Her family was equally elated.  ‘My family’s happiness means the world to me. This scholarship could not have come at a better time, as my journey thus far has been a challenging but rewarding one for both my family and I. I am immensely grateful and my appreciation goes beyond words can express.’ 

She plans to pursue her passion of serving and uplifting the public through integrating it with her future role as a pharmacist, ‘I am a firm believer that there is always a reward for kindness to every living thing.’ 

She advised her fellow students to approach every challenge with positivity, do their best and to place their trust in God, ‘Always remember that hard work and dedication will pay off, never lose sight of the greater good.’

Patience, prayer and her faith in Allah coupled with the support and guidance from her family and friends keep Mayet going. 

Nombuso Dlamini

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Excellence in the Field of Play earns CHS Three Prestigious Scholarships

Ms Kholosa Mthikazi Biyana and Ms Nontuthuko Shongwe.

What does a national women’s soccer team player, a Sharks Ladies Rugby team member and a basketball player have in common? 

In the case, three College of Health Sciences’ students Ms Kholosa Mthikazi Biyana (Bachelor of Sports Science), Mr Mthokozisi Mpendulo Sibongakonke Masondo (Bachelor of Sports Science) and Ms Nontuthuko Shongwe (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy), have been awarded the Prestige Sports Scholarship Award, an accolade awarded to students who have played sport at provincial, national or international level in the year immediately before registration with the Institution. 

‘I am very happy that I got the scholarship. It could have been someone else, I thank God and I am grateful,’ said an excited Biyana, a football player who has had call-ups to the women’s national soccer team. 

‘This means I need to balance both football and my studies as I cannot afford to slip. I want to graduate, play football and hopefully someday I will be someone’s role model too,’ she continued. 

Biyana is grateful to the scholarship funders, ‘Without them I wouldn’t have gotten the scholarship. My family is happy for me and they motivate me to keep working hard.’ 

She started playing football in the dusty streets of Clarkebury a small village in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape, where she lived with her parents and three siblings. 

She has been to two Banyana Banyana camps and next month she will be competing at the World Student Games in Taipei. She also played at World Student Games in South Korea in 2015. 

Shongwe who plays for UKZN Ladies Rugby club and for the Sharks Ladies Rugby Team said she was grateful for the scholarship. 

‘It gives me joy and a peace of mind to know my fees are taken care of,’ said Shongwe. The scholarship for me means so much because university fees are impossible to cover, and with this at least I know that I can carry on studying whilst also participating in my passion which is sports,’ she said. 

She thanked the funders of the scholarship for giving her and other recipients an opportunity at education and sports, ‘This is a great way to impact a person’s life by giving them a chance at two of the most important parts of their lives.’ 

Her family is equally happy and very proud of her achievement. Shongwe’s future plans include working as an Occupational Therapist before pursuing another degree. 

Faith keeps Shongwe going, ‘I have strong faith in God and His plans for me, so even when school and sports gets too hectic, I work hard and push to be better every day  knowing in the end I will be successful and get to where I am meant to be.’ 

Nombuso Dlamini

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Sports Scholarship Recipient Determined to Touch Lives

Executive Director of Student Service Dr Rose Laka-Mathebula (left) congratulates Ms Saiyuri Naidoo on her Sports Scholarship.

Born to parents who are top sport personalities, 18-year-old Ms Saiyuri Naidoo is making her own mark in sports. 

The first year MBChB student has been awarded the UKZN Prestige Sports Scholarship for her impressive accomplishments in chess. 

She has obtained national colours in chess and participated in the World Youth Championships and the Commonwealth Games. Despite investing long hours in it, the sport has never interfered with her studies, as she continued to excel in matric where she obtained eight distinctions. 

The MBChB student at UKZN’s Medical School in the College of Health Sciences, says this scholarship will ease the financial burden on her parents and provide another platform for her to continue to participating in sports. 

‘Upon receiving this prestigious award, I was thrilled as I realised that the long hours I had invested in the game of chess finally had some financial benefits. I am truly grateful that UKZN recognised my potential in a sport that does not generally earn the respect and media coverage as other popular sports; yet this mind blowing tactic driven game can revolutionise the mental capacity of the youth. I will continue to play at an international level but more importantly I want to use chess as means to make a difference in people’s lives.’ 

Naidoo hails from Umhlatuzana Township in Durban and is grateful to the Chatsworth Youth Centre for playing a pivotal role in developing and promoting her chess achievements. She attended Star College High School, where her passion for Maths and Science soared and she is grateful to all her educators who instilled in her that “at the end of education is character”. 

Naidoo shares that her dad is an avid volleyball and cricket player whilst her mum is a fanatic netball and volleyball player. 

‘I have always felt that I had a vocation to serve mankind. The MBChB degree seemed well suited for me to fulfil my goals.’

Lihle Sosibo

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Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for MBChB Duo

Mr Moosa Ismail and Mr Ahmed Sameer Ikram.

Fourth and third year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) students at UKZN’s Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Mr Moosa Ismail and Ahmed Sameer Ikram are thrilled to be the recipients of the prestigious UKZN College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Award. 

This scholarship, which was first instituted in 2012, is awarded to the five top-ranked undergraduates proceeding from first-year to second-year study in each of the four Colleges at UKZN. Recipients of this award must have obtained 80% on a normal full-year subject load. 

‘This award came as a surprise - I was unaware such an award even existed.  This scholarship serves as a means of financial assistance as well as a token of recognition. I hope it motivates me, and inspire others to continue working hard,’ expressed Ikram. 

 Ikram is a fourth year MBChB student. He matriculated at the Orient Islamic School with an aggregate 95% and is grateful to his High School teacher, Mr Nelson Govender who still supports and encourages him.   

‘I knew that all my hard work would eventually pay off, but I never imagined myself being rewarded with such a high-level achievement. And for that, I am truly grateful. This helps to ease my current financial situation, and provides me with the platform to complete my undergraduate studies. Furthermore, this scholarship serves as an incentive for me to achieve more in the future and to inspire others along the way,’ said an excited 21-year-old old Ismail. 

Ismail added that his formula for success revolves around being logical, systematic and organised. 

‘I wasn’t the best in my matric year, but I surely didn’t give up on my dream of becoming a doctor. Additionally, I am passionate about what I do, and I am doing what I love, which is Medicine.’ 

Ismail says he can never find the time to balance his social life with academics due to the hectic study schedule, he still tries to make time to do the few things he enjoys like cooking, reading and most importantly, watching YouTube videos. 

‘I chose UKZN as my university of choice simply because they have brilliant lecturers, doctors and consultants that work tirelessly to educate, guide and motivate us.’ 

Ismail grew up in Asherville, Durban and completed primary school at Hartley Road Primary School and thereafter, attended Sastri College to complete his secondary schooling. 

‘I feel extremely honoured and appreciative of the fact that I was chosen to be a recipient of this prestigious award. To me, this scholarship means that I am on the right path to fulfilling my dream of becoming a successful doctor.’ 

Lihle Sosibo

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Frene Ginwala Scholarship Awarded to 14 Medical Students

Recipients of the Frene Ginwala Scholarship.

Fourteen first year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) students at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine are proud recipients of the Frene Ginwala Scholarships.

The Frene Ginwala Scholarship is a special prestige entrant equity award that supports top Black African female entrants coming into the University as new undergraduate students in all disciplines. It is named after the first Chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal and former Speaker of Parliament. 

Recipients of the Frene Ginwala Scholarship are Ms Sabathile Ntombikayise Dube, Ms Nokuthula Hlongwa, Ms Philasande Hope Valentine Khoza, Ms Lethukuthula Minenhle Langa, Ms Nonhlanhla Simphiwe Mabaso, Ms Nontuthuko Thandeka Taylor Mabaso, Ms Zizipho Msebenzi, Ms Nombulelelo Mthembu, Ms Sibusile Yvette Mthuli, Ms Ncamisile Senamile Mvelase, Ms Thembelihle Sinenhlanhla Nkosi, Ms Philile Sinethemba Phakathi, Ms Xoliswa Njapha and Ms Sphephelo Buhlebethu Mngoma. 

‘I feel honoured to be a recipient of this prestige award. I am excited that my hard work has been recognised,’ said 18-year-old Mngoma who aced her matric with seven distinctions. 

Mvelase wants to keep up the good work and achieve even more for the future. 

‘One day I would love to write a big book on all discoveries and encounters I would have gained during my medical journey,’ stated Phakathi from Cato Ridge. 

Njapha has always been fascinated by the human body and has always wanted to understand why certain diseases like cancer, HIV, diabetes remain some of the greatest health challenges. She thought if she became a doctor, one day she will make a difference and bring hope in people’s lives.  

‘I have worked extremely hard to get this scholarship, as I did not want parents to pay for my tuition fee since my older brothers are also still studying. My dad has always been my source of strength and I know that he is extremely excited as I am.’ 

The 18-year-old Langa who hails from Nquthu, in northern KwaZulu-Natal said she felt ‘extremely honoured’. 

‘I am an orphan and live with my sisters, we are a family of five. I am the last born and the first to go to university. My family is not rich but we make the ends meet.   This scholarship will definitely alleviate that financial burden and allow me to complete my degree,’ she said. 

‘MBChB comes with a heavy workload and one needs to transition and cope under circumstances,’ explained Mthuli. 

Langa has always been a hard worker and this paid off in her matric year at Ubongumenzi Secondary school where she obtained six distinctions. 

Msebenzi shared that she comes from a very large family and considers herself blessed to be brought up by a loving, supportive, God-fearing family that prunes her to be a young independent and optimistic woman. 

‘My short-term academic goals are to obtain my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree in 2022. I also plan to further my studies to pursue a degree in Orthopedic Surgery,’ shared Mthembu. 

The 18-year old Nkosi from eMondlo in Vryheid says the transition from high school to university is not child’s play, thus she has dedicated all of her time to studies. 

‘I aspire to graduate in due time and be good at what I do but most importantly not limit myself to what I’m studying but provide help wherever possible,’  expressed Khoza. 

Lihle Sosibo

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Top Matric Achievers Score the Pius Langa Prestige Scholarship

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: College of Law and Management Studies, Professor Managay Reddi congratulates both Mr Reece Rekyle Govender (left) and Ms Romal Naidoo who earned themselves the Pius Langa Prestige Scholarship Award.

Two top achievers currently studying at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine have been awarded the 2017 Pius Langa Prestige Scholarship Award.  

This prestige entrant scholarship award comes as a R50 000 cheque to new UKZN students who were top achievers in matric. 

The 18-year-old Ms Romal Naidoo says she did not expect a scholarship, nevertheless she is thankful for receiving it. Naidoo was the top achiever in KwaZulu-Natal with nine distinctions and an aggregate score of 98 percent. 

‘Medicine is a field that integrates my interests and values. I have a strong desire to make a difference in this world and hence I chose to do it while pursuing my passions of science and people.’     

The Durban-born, former pupil of Danville Park Girls' High comes from a large and loving family. Her hobbies include photography, playing piano and of course watching series and love Indian cuisine. 

The other recipient is 18-year-old Reece Rekyle Govender who is also a first year MBChB student at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine. 

‘I was thrilled when I found out about this scholarship award. I am extremely grateful to be a beneficiary of it. I will be working hard to maintain my level of performance and hope to study further, eventually specialising in paediatrics, I am excited to rewarded for all my hard work,’ expressed Govender. 

Govender received this award following his top academic performance in matric where he obtained the second position in the top 10 of high achievers in KwaZulu-Natal. 

‘I have always found the field of medicine to be interesting and I particularly enjoyed the subject Life Science in high school. I have always admired how doctors have the ability to make people feel better and I want to be able to do the same thing.’

Lihle Sosibo

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