Giving Up was Never an Option for Emma Smith Scholarship Recipient
Emma Smith scholarship recipient, Ms Zinhle Koza.Master of Laws student, Ms Zinhle Koza, is the proud recipient of the Emma Smith Scholarship which will enable her to study abroad.
Koza, who received her LLB with 14 distinctions, said that she faced many financial challenges during her studies, but was determined not to let this hinder her progress.
‘I am one of seven children and the first of my siblings to attend university. As the breadwinner, my older sister, Amanda (who was 26-years-old at the time) had to provide for our family and myself throughout my first-year,’ said Koza.
Despite being in constant fear of financial exclusion, she decided that she would overcome her dire circumstances by continually striving for academic excellence.
‘When I left home for university, I was aware of the sacrifices that my family was making. Fortunately, at the end of first-year, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) awarded me a full bursary, which was instrumental in my completing my tertiary studies,’ said Koza.
Apart from her studies, the 23-year-old who hails from Magabheni, a small township in Umkomaas, is passionate about community outreach. She is the founder of the Zinhle Koza Foundation, a community development project established to uplift and empower marginalised communities, with an emphasis on the youth and women.
She is a Women of Fortitude Ambassador, a campaign that seeks to encourage the current generation of young South Africans to continue MaSisulu’s legacy of activism through 100 women ambassadors. This initiative aims to promote social cohesion and women empowerment and to recognise women across all sectors who have courageously and successfully broken barriers by contributing to building the South Africa envisaged in our democratic Constitution. The #WomenofFortitude campaign uses stories of past and present heroines to inspire other women to take charge of their own development, and reignite passion in women to recommit themselves to the values and principles of MaSisulu.
Koza is also the secretary of the Restoration of Hope organisation where her role involves regularly visiting high schools around Umlazi informing and motivating students about the different issues they face and might encounter in life after matriculating. She is the former Mentorship Programme Co-ordinator for UKZN’s Students for Law and Social Justice.
‘Empowering women to reach their desired goals is mandatory and ensuring that my experience/expertise and knowledge are disseminated to serve a bigger purpose is paramount. The first step is working towards the Zinhle Koza Foundation achieving international status so that it can harness the necessary resources to impact women’s lives on a larger scale,’ she said.
With Constitutional Theory, Law and Litigation as her fields of interest, Koza is looking forward to using the scholarship to explore her passion for women empowerment.
‘My research is centred on gender and reparations for human rights violations in Africa. Reparations programmes that seek to provide for victims of gross and systematic human rights violations are becoming an increasingly frequent feature of transitional and post-conflict processes. Given that women represent a large proportion of the victims of these conflicts and experience conflict in a distinct manner, it’s crucial to examine whether such programmes can be designed to assert their rights more fairly and efficiently,’ she said.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Sthabiso Mkhonza
author : .author email : .Sky’s the Limit for PhD Student
UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarship recipient, Mr Amil Nundkumar, with his supervisor, Professor Mogie Subban.Recipient of a UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarship, Mr Amil Nundkumar will be able to pursue his doctorate in Administration without worrying about the costs of conducting his research.
The Scholarship is one of the University’s most prestigious awards for postgraduate students. Awarded from the Institution’s own funds, it targets a maximum of four top PhD candidates.
‘After completing school, I chose not to attend university as I did not want to burden my parents financially but opted to undertake technical studies at a college. I am 51 and a late bloomer so this achievement will hopefully inspire the younger generation in my family,’ said Nundkumar.
A member of the management team at Elangeni TVET College in Pinetown, Nundkumar has been working and studying part-time for more than 25 years. He has witnessed the various developments in the South African public college sector from Technical Colleges, to Further Education and Training Colleges and now Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges.
‘Given my long career in the public service, I decided to pursue studies in public administration. This is topical given the ethical and service delivery challenges the country is currently facing. The Zondo Commission on state capture highlights this issue. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my research without having to worry about financial constraints,’ said Nundkumar.
With the avid support of his supervisor, Professor Mogie Subban, Nundkumar is looking forward to making the most of his PhD journey.
‘I plan on writing more journal articles with my academic mentor, Professor Subban who has been a driving force in my master’s and doctoral journey. This qualification and future journal publications will contribute to further discussions and possible improvement in TVET Colleges’ achievements. These colleges are regarded as the vehicle for skills development in South Africa and further research in this area will assist in enhancing their performance,’ he said.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Sthabiso Mkhonza
author : .author email : .Rick Turner Scholarship for Resilient Darlynn
Rick Turner Scholarship recipient, Ms Darlynn Mabunda.Recipient of the Rick Turner Scholarship, Ms Darlynn Mabunda grew up in a child-headed household and relied on partial bursary funding and the generosity of a donor to cover her living expenses at university.
‘I had to look after my little brother and cousin from the age of 12 because our guardians lived in another province and would come home once a month to buy food for us and then go back to work,’ said the Master’s in Commerce student.
‘I am the first person to graduate in my family and coming from a disadvantaged background I feel the need to push myself extra hard in order to provide better opportunities not only for those around me but those to come,’ she added.
While the constant struggle to raise tuition fees and the burden of outstanding fees was not easy, dropping out was never an option for Mabunda.
‘Sometimes I would struggle to register because I still owed fees from the previous year. Paying rent was another challenge because my donor could only do so much and my UKZN bursaries did not cover everything. I overcame these hurdles by studying hard,’ she said.
As the recipient of a scholarship which recognises top achieving postgraduate students in the broad disciplines of Politics and Labour Studies who also exhibit a commitment to community engagement, Mabunda is dedicated to giving back to her hometown.
‘I come from a small village called Buyisonto in a town called Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga where we had little resources. Hearing inspirational stories about the power of education from my primary and high school teachers empowered me to be the woman I am today. My high school friends and I established a programme to assist high school kids making the transition to university. We help them secure admission to a Higher Education Institution after their matric. I look forward to the initiative having a greater impact in the future,’ she said.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Sthabiso Mkhonza
author : .author email : .Hardworking Law Student Awarded 50th Anniversary Scholarship
Ms Davidzo Elizabeth Dhumbura received the 50th Anniversary Scholarship.Hard work, determination and a good support system are the recipe for 50th Anniversary Scholarship recipient, Ms Davidzo Elizabeth Dhumbura’s success.
The third-year Law student’s achievements include being awarded an undergraduate scholarship for maintaining an average of over 80% with the normal full-year subject load, and receiving the Harry Pitman Award for Best Constitutional Law Student of 2018 as well as several Dean’s commendations and certificates of merit.
‘I was not the brightest student in high school but through hard work, determination and prayer, I managed to pass with flying colors,’ said Dhumbura.
She added that she not only had to adjust to transitioning from high school to university, but also faced the challenge of leaving her home in Zimbabwe to study in South Africa.
‘One of the main obstacles I faced was reconciling myself with the fact that I was moving to a different country far away from family, friends and the place I called home. Obtaining my study visa was also a costly and nerve-wrecking experience. Nothing prepares you for the emotional rollercoaster that comes with moving to a different country. I managed to find a good support system that helped me to flourish. Being awarded this scholarship is such an honour because I am surrounded by brilliant colleagues and to be picked from a pool of people of such caliber is mind-blowing,’ said Dhumbura.
Looking to the future, Dhumbura hopes to pursue a master’s degree and explore the opportunities that her qualifications will unlock.
‘My dad is an attorney and he inspired me to choose the legal profession that has intrigued me since I was a kid. I am passionate about human rights law, particularly issues dealing with transitional justice and internal armed conflict. I am also interested in environmental law and how it provides a unique opportunity to mitigate the effects of climate change. I would want to do a Masters of Law degree focusing on one of these areas,’ she said.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Scholarship Fuels Law Students’ Ambitions
Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship recipients (from left) Ms Regina Ticharwa, Ms Rifqah Abdool Majid and Mr Ethan Chetty.For Law students, Mr Ethan Chetty, Rifqah Abdool Majid and Ms Regina Ticharwa, receiving a Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is the motivation they needed to pursue their dreams.
Last year, Chetty was one of 15 of the world’s most promising students in Politics, Law and Commerce to be selected to take part in the Summer Programme on International Affairs at Oxford University. This year, he was recognised as one of UKZN’s top ranked undergraduate students.
‘From the first time I heard about scholarships in primary school, I set myself the goal of being self-sufficient. My parents were willing to sacrifice everything to give me the best education, but I wanted to give back to them for every long night that they spent at work for me. I have been able to support myself through university which, in addition to being incredibly empowering for me, has allowed my entire family to live a better life,’ said Chetty.
Looking to the future, Chetty hopes to use his Law degree to contribute to the global struggle for human rights.
‘I believe that democratic transformation in South Africa has desensitised society to a multitude of socio-economic issues. I aim to research and work towards diminishing the divide between rich and poor in our country, whether that be through a master’s or a job,’ he said.
For Ticharwa who hails from Zimbabwe, the scholarship represents much welcome financial relief.
‘I faced a lot of challenges at the beginning of my studies but the biggest was the constant worry about not being able to afford tuition fees due to the economic situation in Zimbabwe. The scholarship allows me to study without worrying and this recognition in a foreign country is my biggest achievement thus far. I recommend UKZN to all international students who wish to pursue their studies in South Africa. Although it took a while to get used to, now I don’t feel like I am not in my own country,’ she said.
While Ticharwa aspired to be a teacher, her family had other plans.
‘My family applied for me without my knowledge and then one day told me that I was going to study Law and had already been admitted. I was scared and thought it would be hard, but here I am as a scholarship recipient. Passing well and obtaining merits made me realise that it was possible. My passion for teaching persists and I am planning to pursue my master’s degree so that I can become a lecturer,’ she said.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Sthabiso Mkhonza
author : .author email : .Karate Champion Awarded UKZN Sports Scholarship
Karate Champion, Mr Osman Ghoor, who was awarded a UKZN Sports Scholarship.When he is not competing in national, provincial and regional karate competitions, Sports Scholarship recipient, Mr Osman Ghoor is working hard to fulfil his ambition to become a chartered accountant.
The 19-year-old Bachelor of Commerce Accounting student says that as a love for sports and accounting run in his family, he aims to excel in both to uphold the family legacy.
‘I started karate at the age of four as my family is big on sports. I began training twice a week, then six times a week until eventually it became part of my daily life and I started participating in regional/provincial tournaments,’ said Ghoor.
‘My provincial ranking was the key for me to enter South African national tournaments. I also have a passion for accounting and business studies as my grandfather and uncle are qualified chartered accountants,’ he added.
Ghoor’s sporting achievements include being placed second on the continent after representing South Africa at the Continental UFAK Karate Championships in Cameroon in 2017. In the same year, he was placed seventh among more than 100 athletes at the Youth Cup in Croatia, represented South Africa at the WKF World Championships in Spain and was ranked seventh in the world on the WKF Rankings. In 2018, he was named Sportsman of the Year by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation.
A member of the Proteas, the South African National Karate Team, Ghoor says the scholarship is a reward for his hard work, dedication, and commitment.
‘Being awarded this scholarship has changed my life. It has enabled me to appreciate what a Protea means to the country and has earned me respect. I’m very thankful that a panel of qualified people selected me from many deserving applicants. The scholarship will also enable me to travel to maintain my ranking internationally,’ he said.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Top Five Law and Management Studies Students Recognised
Malegapuru W Makgoba Scholarship recipients (from left) Mr Imraan Akoo (insert), Ms Dayantha Subrayadu, Ms Shanice Naicker, Ms Layla Shah, Mr Thavashalin Pillay.Five students from the College of Law and Management Studies, Mr Thavashalin Pillay, Mr Imraan Akoo, Ms Shanice Naicker, Ms Dayantha Subrayadu and Ms Layla Shah received the Malegapuru W Makgoba Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to the five top undergraduates proceeding from first- to second-year in each of UKZN’s four Colleges.
Pillay, a Bachelor of Business Science student said the scholarship is very welcome as his parents have been paying for both him and his brother to attend UKZN.
‘My brother and I are only 18 months apart and one academic year behind each other. The scholarship has lifted a great burden off our shoulders and also given me a confidence boost as I am more sure of myself now than when I started university,’ he said.
The top achiever received the Dean’s Commendation for Outstanding Academic Work in 2018 and for the first semester of 2019 as well as various merit awards.
‘I see myself working in a bank’s headquarters and after a couple of years migrating overseas. I was offered the opportunity to participate in the UKZN student exchange programme this year; however, there were a few difficulties and I am hoping that I will be able to study overseas next year. I have my eye on the University of Calgary in Canada,’ said Pillay.
Witnessing the sacrifices her parents had to make to ensure that she receives the best education motivated Shah to do well academically.
‘Not only will this scholarship help me and my family financially; it will also keep me motivated and serve as a reminder that anything is possible if you are willing to put in the effort,’ she said.
The Law student who describes herself as a feminist, an animal rights ambassador and a firm believer in equality for all living beings said she is looking forward to using her legal knowledge to promote social justice.
‘I wanted to get a qualification that would allow me to make a difference in this world and fight for what I believe in. My goal is to become an advocate and my LLB degree will provide me with a strong foundation for my future legal career,’ she said.
A supportive community, hard work and dedication are the recipe for Law student Akoo’s success.
‘My most difficult challenge was overcoming the death of my mother when I was in Grade 10. I lived alone with her for many years and her passing had an impact on my performance at school. However, with my family’s guidance and support, and the guidance of the teachers at Sastri College, I achieved good matric results,’ said Akoo. He plans to pursue a career as an admitted attorney.
‘This scholarship has allowed me to see some material reward for my efforts in first year and motivates me to continue to work hard and achieve my full potential. It is an incredible feeling when the work that nobody sees you put in is recognised. I plan to graduate with the kind of results that would allow me to do my articles of clerkship at a large, established law firm,’ he said.
For Subrayadu the scholarship is welcome relief.
‘My mother is a single parent of two. I felt awful about placing the financial burden of going to university along with everything else that she had to take care of on her shoulders. Having NSFAS is not enough,’ she said.
The Law student who enjoys debating said she is looking forward to exploring the opportunities arising from her legal studies.
‘While I am still unsure about my future career, what I am certain of is that I want to help people. I want proper knowledge of the law to be easily accessible to all,’ she said.
For Naicker, the scholarship is proof that hard work, determination and commitment yield great rewards.
‘This scholarship means so much to me because my parents have to put two children through university,’ she said.
The Law student plans to pursue a career as an attorney and use her career to help others.
‘One of my passions in life is helping people. I decided to pursue a career in Law because I felt that it would equip me to help people and their families, companies and even organisations. I plan on getting my articles at a good firm after I finish my degree and thereafter pursue a career as an attorney,’ said Naicker.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photographs: Sthabiso Mkhonza and supplied
author : .author email : .Sports Scholarship for Martial Arts and Cricket Star
Martial arts and cricket star, Mr Tashen Sarju, secured a UKZN Sports Scholarship.For BCom honours student, Mr Tashen Sarju, being awarded a UKZN Prestige Sports Scholarship means that he can further his studies and pursue his interest in karate, judo and cricket with fewer financial challenges.
‘Studying has always involved financial difficulties and receiving this scholarship will allow me to complete my honours in economics. I lost my dad in 2017 and it was hard to study but I had to ensure that I stayed on track and worked hard to obtain my degree,’ said Sarju.
The avid sportsman cites his best achievements as being awarded senior provincial colours for karate and judo, representing the province in the KwaZulu-Natal Inland senior provincial academy in cricket and representing UKZN in all three sports codes.
‘I got involved in karate and judo as my dad was involved in both of these martial arts. The highlight of my sporting career has been participating at the recent judo nationals in Vanderbiljpark. The KZN team that I was a part of was placed fourth in the tournament which had close to 20 teams. Balancing sport and studies is extremely challenging but these are things that I really enjoy doing so I always make time,’ said Sarju.
When he not playing sports, Sarju tutors third-year econometrics and explores his interest in how the economy works.
‘I’ve always wanted to work in the field of commerce and I hope to one day complete my PhD in economics. I also want to become a Protea and join the working world next year,’ he said.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Supplied
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