Swimming and Academics in Unison for Scholarship Recipient
Recipient of the Prestige Sports Scholarship Mr Gabriel Nortje is congratulated by Interim Senior Director: Student Services, Professor Ntombifikile Mazibuko.Qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris and graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree are goals topping South African swimmer and Prestige Sports Scholarship recipient Mr Gabriel Nortje’s list.
‘I was very blessed to get the scholarship as it gives me the opportunity to study and do the sport I love. The award has taught me to appreciate what I have and to use my options to the fullest,’ said Nortje.
The Free Stater started swimming competitively in Bloemfontein before moving to Durban to join the Seagulls Swimming Club.
‘I knew that if I ever got the opportunity to study that UKZN is one of the best universities in the country and the fact that it is located in Durban made it ideal for me,’ said Norjte.
While swimming is a priority for the young man at this stage of his life, ultimately he looks to succeed in the corporate world.
‘My dad is an entrepreneur, so I have always been surrounded by business and the working world - it fascinated me and encouraged me to be like him. The scholarship will help me finish my degree and the degree will help in making it possible to find my dream job.’
Words: Sibonginkosi Mabika
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .Mandela-Rhodes Scholarship Fuels Aspiring Researcher’s Ambitions
Mandela-Rhodes Scholarship recipient, Ms Humairaa Moosa.Securing the Mandela-Rhodes Scholarship has opened up a world of new possibilities for Ms Humairaa Moosa who is currently pursuing an Honours in Management Accounting degree at Stellenbosch University through the scholarship.
‘It is an immense honour to be funded by Nelson Mandela’s Legacy Foundation and to be part of a wonderful, diverse cohort of students from across the African continent,’ said Moosa.
‘Without the scholarship, I would not have met friends from Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya and The Gambia. My time as a scholar in residence over the past few months has already been transformative, opening up new worlds of thinking,’ she added.
Having graduated with her Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting summa cum laude in May, Moosa’s initial career aspiration was pursuing a career as a chartered accountant but her passion for research has steered her on a different path.
‘It was daunting to choose between what I love and going the seemingly more stable, practical CA (SA) route. However, I had great mentors and friends who helped me evaluate my choices. My economics academic development officer in my first year, Priyanka Harrichuran, was brilliant, and over the years, has become a cherished friend that I can always turn to for advice. My family, particularly my mother, Naadira, were also supportive of my interest in research and instrumental in the success of my studies,’ she said.
As part of her long-term goal of establishing herself as a researcher and an academic, Moosa is currently conducting research on solar power as a loadshedding solution to the retail sector which she aims to expand on through her master’s degree in the future.
‘Postgraduate studies are designed to equip students with the ability to provide strategic advice, effectively manage risk, and make critical decisions across any organisation and research is a key part of this,’ she said. ‘Reliance on knowledge from a single field is inadequate to solve most real-world challenges. This drives my passion for interdisciplinary approaches, as evidenced by my current research which is part of my contribution to the evolution of business practices.’
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Volleyball Star Wins UKZN Prestige Sports Scholarship
Volleyball star Mr Thandolwethu Ngobese was awarded the UKZN Prestige Sports Scholarship by Interim Senior Director: Student Services, Professor Ntombifikile Mazibuko.UKZN Volleyball Men’s team member Mr Thandolwethu Ngobese has been awarded a UKZN Prestige Sports Scholarship.
Ngobese, who recently participated in the 2022 World Beach Volleyball Pro Tour in Cape Town, says he is grateful as the scholarship has relieved his family of the financial burden of paying his fees and this has motivated him to continue with his studies while participating in sport.
‘The scholarship changed my life because I can play the game I love while continuing my studies beyond a bachelor’s degree,’ he said.
Among his other awards and accolades are a Bronze medal at the 2019 National Beach Volleyball tournament; Champion at the 2019 University Sports South Africa event, and finishing fourth at the 2018 and 2019 Volleyball South Africa Splash festival. On the academic front, he is studying for his master’s degree in Banking and Investment Management.
‘My motivation for this qualification is I have always been curious about what hinders an individual or business from creating wealth and understanding what can be done to eliminate barriers,’ said Ngobese. His research topic is titled Analysing the Barriers of Wealth Creation for Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) Business Owners in KwaZulu-Natal.
‘It’s an opportunity for me to present something to the world of work that anyone can use as inspiration to reach their own level of greatness. The thesis will also help towards breaking through wealth creation barriers faced by individuals regarding their own finances.’
He intends to apply his expertise to help small businesses generate wealth while maintaining their presence and viability within their specific industry. ‘Another goal is becoming an individual who helps people realise their financial dreams by changing the conversation and perception around money,’ he said.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .Female Boxer Secures Student Prestige Sports Scholarship
Ms Khululekile Cele received the Prestige Sports Scholarship.Law student Ms Khululekile Cele started boxing for fun but having done so well in earning a Prestige Sports Scholarship she’s taking her time in the ring far more seriously these days.
‘I was in Grade 10 when I decided to take up boxing,’ said Cele. ‘I was simply doing it for fun until I took part in a competition in Pietermaritzburg. It was my first fight and I was chosen as the best boxer in my division at that tournament. I was honestly astonished,’ said Cele.
Building on that success, Cele of Port Shepstone continued competing and winning fights provincially and nationally right through high school. Fast-forward to today and Cele is the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Women’s 60kg Boxing Champion.
‘I competed in the USSA games in 2021 and not only won all my fights but also got the award for the best bout in my division - lightweight (60kg) - and was subsequently selected to represent South Africa overseas at Samsun in Turkiye at the International University Sports Federation at Ondokuz Mayis University last year. It was because of this achievement that UKZN recognised me and granted me a scholarship,’ said Cele.
Excelling in boxing is Cele’s passion but so is graduating with a Law degree and opening her own law firm
Securing a scholarship is validation that her hard work in and out of the ring is paying off.
‘I want to be an African legal practitioner, a boxer and a businesswoman - with this scholarship, anything is possible for me,’ said Cele. ‘It will change my life by reducing the financial burden of university education, allowing me to focus on my studies rather than having to do part-time work. For me it’s not just about receiving money, rather it tells me that I am seen - especially by my family who have supported me from the beginning - as having potential and that my hard work has really paid off.’
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Scholarship Recipient Soars for the Sky
Ms Kelisha Pandaram the proud holder of the Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship is congratulated by Professor Sandile Songca, DVC: Teaching and Learning.‘Being awarded the Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship boosts my confidence and reinforces my belief in my capabilities,’ says Ms Kelisha Pandaram.
The Scholarship - funded by the C G Smith family and named after Mrs C G Smith - provides top-performing female postgraduate students resident in eThekwini an opportunity to study abroad.
Pandaram was awarded a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree in Marketing Management summa cum laude with six Certificates of Merit and an “A” aggregate this year.
The Scholarship not only acknowledges her accomplishment but also provides full financial support.
‘Throughout my academic journey, I encountered various challenges, including financial constraints and the pressures of excelling academically. To overcome these hurdles, I actively sought scholarships and bursaries that recognised my academic achievements and provided the necessary financial support.’
Currently pursuing her Master of Commerce in Marketing degree, Pandaram considers the scholarship a significant milestone in her academic and professional journey. Her passion, innovation, creativity and business acumen are enhanced by her previous role as Vice-President of UKZN’s Finance Society at the undergraduate level.
‘Through my undergraduate studies in marketing and management, I gained a solid foundation and realised the potential that this field has to make a positive impact on organisations and society as a whole. I have always been intrigued by the power of marketing in influencing sustainable consumer behaviour and driving business success while taking cognisance of the natural environment,’ she said.
Pandaram aspires to leverage her master’s degree qualification to create a significant and valuable influence in the realm of marketing. Her goal is to formulate inventive marketing strategies that not only contribute to the advancement of Higher Education Institutions and the commerce sector but also toward substantial scientific contributions.
‘I hope to enhance my analytical and critical thinking skills, develop expertise in marketing research methodologies, and strengthen my ability to anticipate market trends and consumer needs to assist South Africa in attracting investment from multinationals. I also hope to aid small and medium-sized local enterprises to effectively position themselves competitively within the global market in order to strengthen the country’s economy,’ she said.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .Archbishop Denis E Hurley Scholarship for Honours Student
The Archbishop Denis E Hurley Scholarship was awarded to honours student Mr Sanele Hlela (left) by Professor Sandile Songca, DVC: Teaching and Learning.Honours student Mr Sanele Hlela of the College of Law and Management Studies has been awarded the Archbishop Denis E Hurley Scholarship.
The scholarship - named after the late Archbishop Denis Hurley, a former UKZN Chancellor - allows disadvantaged but academically excellent candidates to study for honours degrees.
Currently studying for a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree in Management, Hlela says he wants to become an accomplished entrepreneur and sees the scholarship as essential for him to realise his career goal.
‘My qualification has granted me an opportunity to engage with companies like Bonlé so that I can have experience in the world of work,’ he said.
Having faced financial constraints during his undergraduate pursuits, Hlela said the scholarship would provide him with the necessary financial backing to concentrate on his studies.
‘I want to thank UKZN for awarding me with this scholarship, I am so grateful. There are many challenging aspects I faced and overcame but funding my studies was the biggest. Fortunately, I was awarded an NSFAS grant to overcome financial obstacles for my first qualification,’ he said. ‘My family is so proud of my achievements - I’m the first graduate in my family. My mother is my pillar of support, always encouraging me when I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place!’
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .Future Looks Bright for Scholarship Recipients
Top students in the College of Law and Management Studies recognised with the Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship are from left: Ms Tinotenda Maverudze, Mr Kyran Otto and Ms Mira Govender.As recipients of the Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship, three students join a select group who can be proud of the achievement of being ranked as top scholars at UKZN.
The scholarship awarded to the trio - Mr Kyran Otto, Ms Tinotenda Maverudze and Ms Mira Govender of the College of Law and Management Studies - recognises the five top-ranked undergraduates proceeding from first-year to second year-study in each of UKZN’s four Colleges.
For Otto, a second-year Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting student, the scholarship fuels his aspiration of becoming the first chartered accountant in his family.
‘To say this Scholarship will revolutionise the way I approach my studies is an understatement,’ said Otto. ‘It is an immense privilege to know that the costs are being paid for in full, allowing me to concentrate on my studies. Presently, the Coloured community is severely underrepresented relative to the total number of CAs nationwide. Thus, my family is providing me with all the motivation and support to redefine what is possible and show that it can be done, regardless of one’s past! It is my ultimate desire to inspire others to follow in my footsteps.’
The hard-working 19-year-old will serve his articles at Deloitte in 2026 after signing up with the firm during his matric year but before that, his plans are to continue excelling academically.
‘I plan to maintain a high level of academic performance in my remaining years at UKZN, carrying the impetus into my SAICA (The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants) board exams. I’m eager to see what the future holds for me beyond my article years. Like with everything though, a solid foundation is key and so the skills and competencies I obtain now will help me in my future endeavours,’ said Otto.
Not meeting the entrance requirements for the qualification was a challenge that Maverudze had to overcome in the pursuit of her legal degree. She sees the scholarship as a reward for all her hard work and determination.
‘When I did not meet the required points to study for an LLB my parents persuaded me to go back and improve my matric results. I am very grateful because I don’t think I would be here excelling in Law School if it wasn’t for that,’ said Maverudze. ‘Being awarded this prestigious scholarship means a lot to me as I was self-funded when I first entered university and receiving this scholarship lessens the financial burden on my parents who were helping to pay my tuition fees.
‘I hope to secure my articles at a top law firm and become an admitted attorney of the High Court in the next couple of years,’ she said.
As a Bachelor of Administration student, Govender is passionate about following a career in business and hopes to do an MBA after completing her undergraduate degree. ‘This prestigious award is a major accomplishment as it gives me the opportunity to continue my studies,’ she said
‘My family is extremely proud of me - they have always encouraged me to perform to the best of my ability and be the best version of myself. I am working hard to achieve that - I am the youth co-ordinator for the NPO (Non-Profit Organisation) Religion Without Borders; I was selected for the UKZN Student Exchange Programme and have received Dean’s Commendation Certificates and Certificates of Merit for outstanding academic achievement.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photographs: Hazel Langa
author : .author email : .Shoulder to the Grindstone Produces Rewards for LLB Student
Ms Chloë Lead was awarded the UKZN College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship by Professor Mosa Moshabela, DVC: Research and Innovation.Hard work paid dividends for 26-year-old final-year UKZN Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree student Ms Chloë Lead when she was awarded the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship that recognises her commitment, endurance, and sacrifices over the past two years.
Growing up in Durban and attending diverse schools, Lead developed a strong sense of respect, empathy, and appreciation for individuals from different backgrounds. Her family instilled in her values of kindness towards others and respect for the environment, shaping her compassionate worldview.
After facing the challenges brought on by COVID-19, the lockdown and personal struggles with anxiety, she made the courageous decision to deregister from her postgraduate LLB studies at Wits University ‘after I had completed a Bachelor of Arts triple majoring in Law, Psychology and French the year before and had been enrolled for an LLB for only three months,’ she said.
This hiatus allowed her to explore various experiences, including research work, teaching, and volunteering in rural Zululand.
‘Stepping away from academia provided me with an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, transforming my perspective on success and allowing me to evolve in unexpected ways.’
Enrolling at UKZN as a part-time LLB student while working full-time at an NGO, Asiye eTafuleni, Lead demonstrated unwavering commitment and sacrificed a lot to further her legal education. Inspired by her fellow classmates, many of whom were juggling parenthood, work, and studies, she found strength in the shared dedication of her peers.
‘This scholarship reaffirms that all my hard work, sacrifice and endurance over the past two years - working full time and studying part-time - have been worth it. ‘I had been very strict with myself about saving, while working, but with the cost of living it would still not have been enough to pay for my final year, so I had come to terms with the fact that I would have to take out a loan for the shortfall.’
Guided by the South African Constitution’s preamble, she is determined to commit her life’s work to protecting the rights of vulnerable communities. ‘In the immediate future, I hope to find articles in an organisation which positions itself in the intersection of constitutional, environmental and administrative law. Long-term, I would like to become an advocate - strategic litigation really appeals to me,’ she said.
Words: Sibonginkosi Mabika
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .Scholarship Winner Full of Praise for Parents’ Support
Aspiring Chartered Accountant Ms Tahiya Essa with Professor Mosa Moshabela, DVC: Research and Innovation.The recipient of the College of Law and Management Studies Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, Ms Tahiya Essa, credits her parents for instilling in her the importance of ‘pursuing one’s passions’.
She says with the support of her mom and dad, Mr Yusuf and Mrs Yasmin Essa, she excelled academically, growing up with her four siblings in an environment filled with love and inspiration.
A second-year Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting student, Essa’s passion for numbers and accounting led her to initially study actuarial science. However, after realising that it wasn’t the right fit for her, she made the brave decision to pursue her passion in accounting.
‘Deciding what to study was probably one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. Every degree sounded enticing and advantageous to study. I flourished in subjects involving numbers and accounting but was still completely confused about what my path should be after school,’ she said.
Sharing her excitement on receiving the scholarship, Essa said: ‘This is proof that respect is not earned based on the difficulty level of your degree but on the hard work and sacrifices made in studying for any Higher Education qualification.
‘Being awarded this scholarship is proof that hard work really does pay off and my determination and perseverance did not go unnoticed. It has given me motivation to continue,’ she added.
Essa, whose passion for working with numbers has been evident throughout her academic journey, hopes to become a Chartered Accountant (CA) and work at a top firm in South Africa.
Words: Sibonginkosi Mabika
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .Travel Bursary for “Bright Young Mind”
Mr Liso Potwana (left) proud recipient of the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary is congratulated by Professor Sandile Songca, DVC: Teaching and Learning.Passion for making a difference in people’s lives and his involvement in extracurricular activities contributed significantly to graduate Mr Liso Potwana being awarded the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary.
Overcoming initial academic setbacks, Potwana’s tenacity and dedication helped him excel in his chosen field, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
With Law as his chosen career field, he aspires to protect and realise people’s rights. He sees the versatility of a Law degree as an avenue for personal growth and exploration of new passions.
Potwana achieved an 80% average mark in the first year of his programme and his commitment to academic excellence resulted in multiple Dean’s Commendation awards, Certificates of Merit, and recognition for his involvement in extracurricular activities.
Recently placed in Africa’s Top 100 Brightest Young Minds in 2022, he said: ‘Whenever I think about the Travel Bursary, my heart races with excitement. I picture myself in a room full of bright, passionate people, all buzzing with ideas and ways to change the world for the better. It is a goal I have held close to my heart - this desire to explore and understand our vast, diverse world.’
He hopes the bursary will help him step up, and become a better speaker, and a stronger leader. Through the bursary, he hopes to reach more people, network with other innovators, and learn from them.
‘These accomplishments are testament to my resilience, strength, and ability to navigate challenges, learn from failures, and transform adversity into opportunity,’ he said. ‘Above all, I have come to understand that the obstacles life throws at us are divine instruments for growth, pushing us out of our comfort zones and underscoring the value of hard work in any worthwhile pursuit.’
Potwana recognises the transformative power of mentorship, having experienced its impact first-hand through UKZN.
Words: Sibonginkosi Mabika
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
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