Top-Performing Student Earns Double Scholarships
Mr Yadiel Chatterpersad celebrates receiving two scholarship awards.A top-performing Bachelor of Business Science student majoring in Investment Science, Mr Yadiel Chatterpersad, was awarded two of UKZN’s undergraduate scholarships in recognition of his outstanding academic performance.
Chatterpersad was named the recipient of the Lawrence and Constance Robinson Scholarship, awarded annually to the highest-performing undergraduate student across all five campuses of the University, an honour which spans a student population of over 30 000.
In addition to this remarkable achievement, he earned the Dr Townley Williams Scholarship, which recognises the top-performing student entering the final year of their first undergraduate degree. Together, these accolades mark a significant milestone in Chatterpersad’s academic journey.
“These scholarships mean so much to me. They stand as a testament to the hard work and passion I have poured into my studies, and I am truly grateful to the University for recognising and affirming that effort,” he said.
Chatterpersad’s academic success has not come without challenges. Completing Grade 11 and 12 under the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic meant adapting to online learning with limited access to structured classroom engagement. This continued into his first year of university, which was also held entirely online.
“The lack of a contact-learning environment made it more difficult to absorb complex concepts, especially in a field as analytical as mine. I had to work twice as hard to ensure that I was mastering the material, throughout that time, my family played a critical role in motivating and supporting me. Their encouragement was invaluable,” he explained.
A former learner of Arena Park Secondary School in Chatsworth, Durban, Chatterpersad has long demonstrated a keen interest in data analysis and quantitative problem-solving.
He initially enrolled as a Finance and Economics major but made the decision early in his degree to switch to Statistics after excelling in his Mathematics modules.
“Switching to Statistics was one of the best academic decisions I’ve made, I even enrolled in an additional Mathematics module in my third year, and the insights I gained from it have been instrumental in sharpening my analytical thinking,” he explained.
Chatterpersad now plans to enter the field of quantitative analysis, where he hopes to apply financial, mathematical, and statistical principles to solve complex data-driven problems. He views his degree as the ideal foundation to bridge the gap between these three rigorous disciplines.
His parents, who have witnessed his growth and dedication over the years, expressed deep pride: “Yadiel is the younger of our two sons. We are extremely proud and humbled by his achievements. We have seen him sacrifice a lot for his degree, and it has been a blessing to see his sacrifices truly and wonderfully pay off.”
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Andile Ndlovu
author : .author email : .DVC Scholarship Recipient Dedicates Achievement to Her Family
Scholarship recipient, Ms Bianca Govender (left), celebrates her achievement with her sister, Ms Jemaine Govender.Amid academic excellence and a promising legal career, third-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) student Ms Bianca Lee Govender was awarded the esteemed College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, recognising her as one of the top three undergraduate achievers in the College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS).
For Govender, the scholarship is a recognition not only of her hard work and dedication, but also of the resilience born from profound grief following the loss of her mother in February 2023.
“Losing my mum in the midst of everything was an incredibly tough and emotional journey. It has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through and there were moments I didn’t think I could continue. But I kept going because I knew she would’ve wanted me to.”
“She is not here physically, but I feel her with me every step of the way,” she said.
Govender dedicates much of her success to her family who have played a major role in shaping her into the woman she is today.
“My family has been my rock. Their belief in me, especially during the times I doubted myself, helped me stay grounded and focused. This achievement is as much theirs as it is mine,” she said.
A proud product of Durban Girls’ High School, Govender matriculated with six distinctions and continues to uphold a standard of excellence in her LLB studies - a path inspired in part by her two older sisters, both of whom work in the legal profession.
“I remember being curious about their work. Eventually I realised that Law was the field where I could find both personal fulfilment and the kind of intellectual challenge I was seeking,” she recalled.
“Receiving the DVC Scholarship means more than words can express. It is not just an academic achievement, but recognition of my hard work, dedication, and resilience. All the sleepless nights finally paid off,” she said.
Looking ahead, Govender plans to continue working hard to maintain the standard she has set for herself.
“I have recently signed articles with a firm in Sandton - a journey I am extremely excited about. The qualification I am pursuing will give me the skills and knowledge I need to navigate the legal world and eventually make a meaningful impact through my work. The ultimate goal is to become an admitted attorney, committed to legal excellence,” she said.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Andile Ndlovu
author : .author email : .Doctoral Research Scholarship Fuels Passion of Finance PhD Candidate
PhD candidate, Ms Thabile Nkosi (left), receives her Doctoral Research Scholarship Award from Senior Lecturer in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Professor Lauren Hoyer.Ms Thabile Nkosi, a scholar from Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal and an alumna of Empangeni High School, has been awarded a UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarship as she embarks on her PhD in Finance at UKZN’s School of Commerce.
The doctoral scholarship is awarded to the top five percent of applicants who demonstrate outstanding research capability and maintain an academic average of at least 75%.
Nkosi holds a Master of Commerce in Finance, obtained cum laude, and a Bachelor of Business Science degree. She is also a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society in recognition of her consistent academic excellence.
Her academic journey has been guided by a deep-rooted passion for finance and quantitative analysis, inspired by a family of academics and engineers who fostered a love for learning from an early age.
“Balancing academic responsibilities with personal commitments has not been easy. There were many sacrifices, late nights, missed family time but the support of my family and supervisors, Drs Hilary Muguto and Lorraine Muguto, helped me stay focused.
“Receiving this scholarship is both an honour and a motivator. It validates the effort I’ve invested and reflects the confidence the Institution places on my research potential,” she said.
Nkosi’s doctoral research examines how investor emotions - such as fear or confidence - influence interconnections within stock markets in emerging economies and their resilience to risk. She aims to understand how events or changes in one region can trigger volatility in others - an increasingly important issue in today’s unpredictable global economy.
“My PhD is highly motivated by my strong interest in quantitative analysis and a desire to understand how economic and geopolitical factors influence financial markets and investor behaviour,” she explained.
“Thabile possesses a rare combination of academic excellence, humility, and quiet determination. From the moment we began working with her at honours level, it was clear she was destined for great things. She consistently goes beyond what is required, and her cum laude master’s graduation reflected that. What sets her apart is not just her intellect, but her hunger for growth and her teachable spirit. Watching her grow in depth and confidence has been a joy. Any supervisor would be honoured to walk this journey with her,” said Drs Hilary and Lorraine Muguto.
Looking ahead, Nkosi aspires to join a corporate research team where she can contribute to evidence-based decision-making within the financial sector. She also hopes to publish research that adds value to both the School of Finance and the wider academic community.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Nkosikhona Gcabashe
author : .author email : .Frene Ginwala Scholarship Recipient Turns Detours into Triumphs
Ms Minenhle Ngobese receives her scholarship award from Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Professor Fhatuwani Mudau. From a small township to the halls of a major university, and now with one of UKZN’s prestigious scholarships in hand - Bachelor of Laws student, Ms Minenhle Ngobese, reflected on her journey, describing it as one marked not by easy choices, but by redirection and resilience in the pursuit of her dreams.
When Ngobese who attended Mnyamande Secondary School in Blaaubosch, Newcastle, received news that she had been awarded the Frene Ginwala Scholarship, she knew it was more than recognition - it was a turning point.
The scholarship, awarded to top-performing female students entering their first year, celebrates academic excellence and potential. For Ngobese, it symbolised perseverance and the courage to adapt when life did not go to plan. It also affirmed that her work ethic and determination are seen and valued.
“This award is a testament to my hard work and dedication to academic excellence. It gives me room to focus fully on my studies without worrying about finances. More than anything, it reminds me that hard work does get rewarded.”
“When I received the news, I was overjoyed and relieved. It came at a time when I had to make some difficult academic decisions,” she said.
Despite achieving an extraordinary 93.5% average and earning eight distinctions in her National Senior Certificate exams, Ngobese did not immediately land in the degree of her dreams. While she had hoped to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing, circumstances led her to begin her first year studying Law.
Rather than let disappointment define her, she focused on doing her best in the present - while planning for a future in healthcare.
“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, it is my passion and something I have held onto for years. Studying Law was not part of the original plan, but I saw it as an opportunity to keep going, stay in the system, and prepare myself for the transition I want to make,” she said.
Raised by her aunt and brother, Ngobese credits her family’s unwavering support for giving her the strength to navigate this unexpected path.
“My family is proud of my achievements, and I’m grateful for their support. They are looking forward to seeing me succeed in my future endeavours, and I know they’ll be thrilled when I transition to Nursing,” she said.
Now more motivated than ever, Ngobese hopes to one day return to communities like hers, using her training to improve healthcare access and make a lasting difference.
“I have learned that success does not always follow a straight path. Sometimes it is about taking a different road, trusting the process, and staying committed to the bigger picture,” she reflected in closing.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Nkosikhona Gcabashe
author : .author email : .Scholarship Unlocks Dreams for School of Commerce Students
Top performing Commerce students (from left) Ms Lerato Xaba, Mr Aswad Mari, and Ms Andiswa Mathenjwa, receive the Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship.The Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship, awarded annually to top-performing undergraduate students, recognised three academic achievers in the College of Law and Management Studies - Mr Aswad Mari, Ms Andiswa Mathenjwa and Ms Lerato Xaba - all from the School of Commerce.
Beyond the accolades, the scholarship provides critical financial support - lifting a significant burden from their families while motivating them to continue excelling in their studies.
For Mari, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) student from Durban, the scholarship is both an honour and a symbol of his academic discipline. As the youngest of four siblings, Mari’s passion for Commerce was cultivated at Arena Park Secondary School, where his journey of curiosity and ambition began.
“Choosing a course was challenging because the commercial field is so broad. But after a lot of research, I chose BBA because it offers a strong foundation in finance, management, and strategy - all the things I love,” he reflected.
“This scholarship is not only a recognition of my efforts but also an incentive to remain focused and achieve my goal in industries I aspire to work in such as human resource management, financial analytics, or entrepreneurship. It has eased the financial strain and allowed me to give my studies my full attention,” he added.
For Mathenjwa, studying for a Bachelor of Administration, the scholarship meant rising above the challenges. Growing up in a home where financial constraints were a daily reality, her journey to UKZN was paved with perseverance and support from her family and teachers from Emchakweni High School in Umtubatuba where she matriculated.
“I always knew that education was the key to changing my life and receiving this scholarship has lifted a heavy weight off my shoulders. I am now able to focus entirely on my studies and pursue my passion for administration without worry. This field excites me because it’s where real change can happen and I can make a positive contribution to organisational development behind the scenes,” she said.
Xaba, a second-year Bachelor of Administration student from Pietermaritzburg, nearly had her educational journey derailed by financial difficulties. But she remained resolute - driven by her belief in education as a tool for transformation.
“There were times when I couldn’t afford textbooks, and it was very discouraging but with the support from my family and friends, I pushed through. Getting this scholarship means everything - it’s not just financial help, it’s a reminder that my hard work is paying off,” she said.
Xaba has set her sights on a career in local government, where she hopes to address service delivery issues and advocate for community inclusion in decision-making processes.
“This degree has opened my eyes to the real-world challenges people face daily. I want to be part of the change that brings efficient services and empowerment to communities.”
Throughout her journey, Xaba’s motivation has remained deeply rooted in family and faith. “When I was accepted into UKZN, my parents held a small celebration for me. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders, always reminding me to believe in myself and through every challenge, I’ve held onto my faith and been carried by the scripture: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’” she said.
Each of these scholars carries a unique story. For them, the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is not only a symbol of inspired greatness, but also a catalyst that transforms academic excellence into purpose.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Andile Ndlovu
author : .author email : .Scholarship Fuels Law Student’s Postgraduate Ambitions
Medical Law student, Ms Olwethu Mthethwa, receives the 50th Anniversary Scholarship Award from the Acting Dean and Head of the School of Commerce, Professor Stephen Mutula.Fiftieth Anniversary Scholarship recipient and Law student, Ms Owethu Mthethwa, has secured this prestigious scholarship with her future in mind, planning to use it to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) in Medical Law.
“I have consistently been a top achiever; however, being awarded this scholarship is something I have never even envisioned and is a great honour. It is recognition, a much needed ‘pat on the back’ and motivation to keep going. I am planning to use the funds from this scholarship towards my LLM costs as I will be pursuing this qualification very soon,” said Mthethwa.
In addition to being awarded this scholarship - granted to a senior undergraduate from each of UKZN’s four Colleges, the top achiever who hails from Esikhawini near Richards Bay, also received the Labour Law Student Award at the 2025 School of Law Student Awards Ceremony.
“Being an LLB student is a roller-coaster ride to say the least. I have had my ups and downs, with both high and (somewhat) low marks. The most important thing has been maintaining consistency in my studies and forgiving myself for any ‘slack’. My father is in the legal field, so I grew up around law which motivated me to pursue it. I am also the eldest of six children and the first grandchild which is what keeps me going, as I have people looking up to me.”
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Nkosikhona Gcabashe
author : .author email : .Aspiring Chartered Accountants Receive Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship
Mr Yaseen Ali (left) and Mr Muhammed Bux at the 2025 Scholarships Awards celebration dinner.Two Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) have been named among the top five academic achievers in the College of Law and Management Studies, earning the Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship.
Mr Yaseen Ali and Mr Muhammed Bux, both currently in their second year, are united not only by academic excellence and a shared institution - but also by a common ambition: to qualify as Chartered Accountants (CAs).
The Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship, one of UKZN’s most competitive merit-based awards, is granted to the top five undergraduate students in each College who have completed at least one full year of study. For both Ali and Bux, this recognition goes beyond academic performance - it is a symbol of discipline and determination in the face of personal and structural challenges.
For Ali, a Durban-born student and former learner at Orient Islamic School, the journey has not always been straightforward.
“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced, and still reflect on, was the fear of failure. During my early high school years, my only goal was to simply pass. But over time, I realised that I needed to strive for excellence, not only for myself but also for the future I wanted to build.
“From fearing failure to being recognised as one of the top five achievers has felt surreal and it validates every challenge I’ve overcome,” he said.
In addition to his academic achievements, Ali is the founder of Skill Spark, a YouTube-based academic platform designed to simplify the BCom Accounting syllabus. Since its launch in early 2023, the channel has uploaded over 200 educational videos, covered 13 modules, and reached more than 2 000 subscribers, accumulating over 700 000 minutes of watch time.
“The aim was to use my own learning journey to help others through accessible online education which has been incredibly fulfilling,” he said.
Ali is driven by a clear long-term goal: qualifying as a Chartered Accountant - a title that to him represents not just a career milestone, but also a marker of personal growth, technical discipline, and professional credibility.
Bux, who is also a second-year BCom Accounting student and a fellow alumnus of Orient Islamic School, shares similar aspirations.
Raised in Musgrave, Durban, Bux faced one of his greatest challenges during matric - a year he describes as “overwhelming” due to academic pressure, university applications, and family financial strain.
That strain intensified when his family’s business was looted during the 2021 KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) unrest, creating financial uncertainty just as he was preparing for university.
“Receiving this scholarship has been a huge relief for my parents, it’s not just about covering fees it’s about hope and shifting our focus from survival to building a future,” said Bux.
Despite these challenges, Bux remained focused and disciplined, crafting strict study schedules and reaching out for academic support. The scholarship, he says, is a shared achievement.
“My family is incredibly proud and happy about this achievement. They’ve seen first-hand the amount of work I’ve put into my studies, so receiving this scholarship felt like a shared victory,” he said.
Like Ali, Bux has set his sights on qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. “I’ve always had a head for numbers and a deep interest in how businesses operate. This qualification is the key to building a stable and impactful career - and eventually, giving back to others the way I’ve been supported. Since achieving the PWC floating shield in Grade 11 and Grade 12, I have been determined to achieve my goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant,” he said.
As both students continue their studies at UKZN, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose - not just to earn a professional designation, but to uplift, lead, and inspire.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Andile Ndlovu
author : .author email : .Honours Student Earns Archbishop Denis E. Hurley Scholarship
A jubilant Ms Snenhlanhla Madolo celebrates receiving her award.Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Human Resource Management student, Ms Snenhlanhla Madolo, is the proud recipient of the Archbishop Denis E. Hurley Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to academically excellent students pursuing their honours degrees at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
“Being awarded the Archbishop Denis E. Hurley Scholarship is a great honour and a powerful encouragement. It recognises my hard work, potential, and values such as integrity, service, and leadership. This scholarship motivates me to continue striving for excellence while using my education to make a positive impact in my community,” said Madolo.
The significance of earning a scholarship named after a prolific figure and former UKZN Chancellor - which enables disadvantaged but academically excellent candidates to pursue honours degrees - keeps Madolo motivated to strive for more.
“I come from a township called Dassenhoek in Mpola, a place that shaped me but also fuels my hunger for more. What keeps me going is the fear of remaining stuck in the same dusty streets I was born into, without rewriting my own story. I was raised by a resilient single mother, Lucia Madolo, who gave everything to ensure I became an educated woman - someone who can stand on her own, no matter what life brings. Her sacrifices are the reason I push through every obstacle,” said Madolo.
With plans to build a meaningful career in Human Resources Management, Madolo aspires to be an agent of change by creating positive and inclusive workplaces.
“I’ve always wanted to help create workplaces where people feel valued and heard, and that’s what drew me to this field. This qualification will equip me with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions, lead with empathy, and drive change within organisations. Ultimately, I want to use what I’ve learned to empower others and contribute to building work environments where everyone feels valued and supported.”
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Andile Ndlovu
author : .author email : .Bright Future for College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Recipients
College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship recipients, Ms Priyashni Reddy and Mr Calem Gilbert.Final-year Bachelor of Business Science in Finance students, Ms Priyashni Reddy and Mr Calem Gilbert, are proud recipients of the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, awarded to the top three undergraduates in their third year of study.
With aspirations of becoming an investment banker or quantitative analyst, Reddy says being awarded the scholarship validates the dedication and hard work she has invested in her studies.
“Knowing that my efforts have been acknowledged in this way opens doors to new opportunities and deepens my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field of finance. I have always had a passion for numbers, and my curiosity about how financial markets work and how global economic conditions impact businesses motivated me to pursue this qualification,” said Reddy.
The top achiever, who also received the Top Student Award for third-year Finance at the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance’s discipline of Finance student awards, intends to further her studies by obtaining the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and eventually pursuing a master’s degree.
“In addition to my coursework, I have also tutored two third-year Finance modules. This has deepened my understanding of the content and given me the opportunity to help fellow students - an experience I’ve found incredibly rewarding. With this academic background and continued professional development, I feel confident in my ability to succeed and grow in the financial industry,” said Reddy.
With aspirations of a career in corporate consulting, business strategy, and ultimately entrepreneurship, Gilbert says being awarded the scholarship is recognition of his consistent hard work.
“Being awarded the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is a deeply humbling experience. This award is the result of many small steps, supported by my family and the people who’ve stood by me - especially my partner, who’s been a constant source of motivation and support since high school,” said Gilbert.
While Gilbert initially applied for a BCom in Accounting, he made a last-minute decision to pursue a Bachelor of Business Science in Finance instead - a choice that has proven to be the right academic path.
“Looking back, it was the right move. This qualification encourages critical thinking and long-term problem-solving, which suits how I think and work. It has not always been easy, but I’ve learned a lot about the subject, and about myself. It has laid a solid foundation, but more importantly, it’s helped me develop how I think, how I approach challenges, and how I work with others. Those are lessons I’ll carry with me into whatever comes next.”
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photographs: Andile Ndlovu and Supplied
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