UKZN Celebrates Top Achievers

Scholarship recipients 2013.

Seventy-three of the top-achieving scholars who have received prestigious scholarships were honoured for their academic excellence in a Scholarship Awards Ceremony held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)’s Westville Campus on 4 September.

A total of around 4000 awards worth approximately R80 million were distributed to students who have attained outstanding results in Undergraduate, Honours, Masters and Doctoral Studies during 2012.  The scholarships awarded are largely funded by the university and by donors, and demonstrates the calibre of students choosing to study at UKZN.

The best single undergraduate in the entire University and the best student to enter final year in the first degree was Mr Ridwaan Amod (22), a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering student has achieved remarkable results that far exceed the norms of the average top student. Amod is the top student among 28 000 undergraduates.

Amod received the Lawrence and Constance Robinson Scholarship and the Townley Williams Scholarship.

Distinguished Students’ Award, running for the second year, was awarded to Bachelor of Social Science Honours student, Mr Lukhona Mnguni and to Ms Basheera Mohamed, a Bachelor of Community Development Honours student.

The award recognises and rewards outstanding academic achievement together with excellence in community engagement or University service as reflected in the vision, mission and goals of the University. These are given to the most talented, caring and exceptional graduates and young leaders from final year undergraduate or honours level who have been judged as being most exemplary in embodying the ideals and attributes that the University seeks to create in every graduate.

Guest speaker and KwaZulu-Natal Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo congratulated the recipients and reminded them that the awards “extols them to begin a long journey that requires them to emulate and surpass the achievements of Frene Ginwala, Zak Yacoob, Vincent Maphai and Pius Langa”.

Mr Mohammed Kazi, Bachelor of Medicine student was the top recipient of the Pius Langa Scholarship while the top student in the Frene Ginwala scholarship was a Commerce in Accounting student Ms Thembelihle Bhengu.

The Pius Langa scholarships are awarded to the students who were ranked in the top ten in the province by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Education Department NSC examinations, or top nationally in the IEB matriculation examinations, while the Frene Ginwala scholarships are made to the top black African female entrants coming into the University as new undergraduate students in all disciplines. 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Teaching and Learning, Professor Renuka Vithal said, ‘Scholarships are awarded on a fiercely competitive basis in which merit is the most important criterion. A stringent selection process, in which the scholarships committee considers the marks obtained, the top marks and size of the class, the number of certificates of merit, Dean’s commendations and the consistency of high performance among other aspects. The students finally recognised are the very best of thousands of hopefuls.’

The scholarship that provides postgraduate scholarship opportunities for top-performing female students resident in eThekwini to study abroad and acknowledges and encourages top-performing female students is the Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship, a substantial complete scholarship provided by the family of C.G. Smith.

This year’s recipients were College of Humanities Masters’ students, Ms Rachel Morrow and Ms Fathima Mohamedy. Morrow was also named the Mandela Rhodes Scholar.

Dhlomo commended UKZN for being a true African University in the African soil, serious about Africa’s Development.

Four Master of Social Science students, Ndubuisi Ani, Ms Mbalenhle Dlamini, Mr Sabelo Phakathi and Mr Mlungisi Phakathi were the recipients of the Rick Turner Scholarship awarded to the memory of contribution made by Dr Rick Turner to the discipline of political science at the university and his much wider contribution to civil society. These awards are directed at excellent postgraduate students in the broad cognate disciplines of Politics and Labour Studies, but who also exhibit a depth of community engagement.

 

Professor Vithal said: ‘It is heart-warming that some of our recipients come from less fortunate backgrounds.’

-Sithembile Shabangu

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Accounting Students to use Scholarships to Fulfil Academic Aspirations

Ms Jyoti Maharaj receives her awards from KZN Minister of Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo and Ms Pratisha Sevsunker (right) with her two scholarship awards.

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting students and proud scholarship recipients, Ms Jyoti Maharaj and Ms Pratisha Sevsunker, will use their awards to unlock their academic potential. 

Maharaj and Sevsunker both won two scholarships, namely the Pius Langa Scholarship and the UKZN Entrant Merit Scholarship. 

After securing the scholarships which guarantee them funding for their academic future, the pair aims to make a valuable contribution to the South African economy through pursuing careers in chartered accountancy.  

Pius Langa Scholarships are awarded to students ranked in the top 10 in the province in the KwaZulu-Natal National Senior Certificate (Matric) examinations or top nationally in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) matriculation examinations. 

The UKZN Entrant Merit Scholarships are awarded to new undergraduate entrants who score six A’s (level 7 or higher) in the matriculation examinations. 

‘It feels good to be recognised by the University for my hard work as the scholarships will ensure I am able to study further and reach my goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant,’ said Maharaj.  

‘I could not have achieved all this without the support of my parents and teachers who have invested their time to ensure I studied hard.’  

Sevsunker excelled in various mathematics competitions in primary and high school and was recognised as the KwaZulu-Natal’s top accounting student in the 2012. 

‘Hailing from a previously disadvantaged background, I was worried about finances for my tertiary education. This greatly motivated me to perform at my academic peak.  My hard work and dedication has led to me receiving this scholarship as well as a bursary and training contract from a prestigious accounting firm.’ 

Both students plan to pursue postgraduate qualifications while serving their articles at Deloitte which has given them a training contract.

-Thandiwe Jumo

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BA Honours Student Bags Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship

Bachelor of Arts Honours student Ms Fathima Mohamedy is the recipient of a coveted Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship.

Bachelor of Arts Honours student Ms Fathima Mohamedy was overjoyed when she was awarded an Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship at UKZN’s recent Scholarship Awards ceremony.

‘I was over the moon. I don’t think I’ve come down yet. It’s validating and I feel very lucky!’

The Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship, named after C G Smith’s wife, is awarded to top-performing female graduates resident in the eThekwini district giving them the opportunity to study abroad.

Mohamedy paid tribute to the donors and said it was pleasing that Arts students were being recognised.

‘This scholarship will give me a measure of confidence going forward. I’ll be taught by authorities on my subject in an international environment where I can make the most of putting what I learn into practice. I also think that it will be incredibly challenging and an opportunity for personal growth.’

Mohamedy said the scholarships served a dual purpose. ‘Recipients come back with the knowledge of what’s happening at the forefront of their various fields. This can only benefit our country. Secondly, scholarships allow us to be ambassadors for our nation and to interact with people from all over the world which bodes well for future projects and relations.’

She encouraged more students to apply for scholarships. ‘As the saying goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you’re enthusiastic about what you’re studying, there’s always a chance. I’m proof of that.’

-Melissa Mungroo

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“Best Single Undergraduate Student” Excells

Mr Ridwaan Amod.

Mr Ridwaan Amod (22) has achieved remarkable results that far exceed the norms of the average top student.  

In his chosen area of study, a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering, Amod received two of the highest awards; the ‘Lawrence and Constance Robinson Scholarship’ which is awarded to the best single undergraduate in the entire university and the ‘Townley Williams Scholarship’, awarded to the best student entering the final year of study.  Amod is the top student among 28 000 undergraduates.

Professor Vithal says Amod’s exceptional performance proves anything is achievable.

‘Ridwaan attained certificates of merit for 42 of the 42 modules he has taken in his first three years of study, was top of the class for 36 of these modules, scoring 100% in two modules; and was awarded Dean’s commendations in every semester since he has been registered; this is a phenomenal and rare achievement that makes him one of the very best students at UKZN.’

Amod resides in Overport and attended most of his schooling life at Al-Falaah College. He entered UKZN on an ‘Entrant Merit Scholarship’ – awarded to all new undergraduate students who score a “full house” of six A’s (level 7 or higher) in the matric examination - received after he matriculated as the third top pupil in KwaZulu-Natal in 2009.

Amod’s results throughout his undergraduate years average above 90%.

Amod says his secret to success is “goal-setting, a balanced lifestyle and having the confidence to achieve excellence”. He says he enjoys playing sports and always makes time to keep himself fit and active.

He says he is grateful for the award and for the opportunity to embark on a journey that will not just groom him as an engineer but as a person as well.

‘I have always been fascinated at how fast technology progresses and how it can be used to make a positive difference to people's lives,’ said Amod.

- Sejal Desai

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Distinguished Students’ Award won by two Humanities students

Mr Lukhona Mnguni (left) and Ms Basheerah Mohamed.

Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) student Mr Lukhona Mnguni and Bachelor of Community Development (Honours) student Ms Basheerah Mohamed won Distinguished Students’ Awards.

This award, made for the first time in 2012, is based on nominations from staff or students at the University. It recognises and rewards outstanding academic achievement together with excellence in community engagement or University service as reflected in the vision, mission and goals of UKZN.

The award gives concrete expression to the values implicit in African Scholarship which underpins the University.

Awards are made to two of the most talented, caring and exceptional graduates and young leaders from final year undergraduate or honours level judged to be most exemplary in embodying the ideals and attributes the University aims to create in every graduate.

‘I am excited, humbled and above all overwhelmed by the significance of the award,’ said Mnguni. ‘It is evidence that no collective sacrifices my family and I have made in pursuit of my personal development have been in vain.

‘It also gives my family an opportunity to celebrate the good work that often keeps me away from them, even if they do not fully comprehend what it is that one is forever busy with. The scholarship encourages me to continue investing towards being a better individual, citizen and leader in our country, continent and the world,’ said Mnguni.

Asked about his plans for the future he said: ‘I have decided to stay within academia for the next five years pursuing my postgraduate studies at the same time, hopefully to PhD level. Following this, I am excited by the potential to contribute in the academic and socio-political life of the country in the years after postgraduate studies.’

Basheerah, who was unable to attend the awards ceremony, thanked her parents and lecturers who nominated her for the award and for their support and encouragement over the past four years.

‘I have recently moved to Johannesburg and am still finding my feet here.

‘I hope to spend a portion of the award money on a community-based initiative and also intend enrolling for a Masters’ degree at an overseas institution next year and may use some of the award money to fund that,’ she said.

- Melissa Mungroo

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Emma Smith Award Recipient Set for Oxford University

Ms Rachel Morrow receives an Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship to study at Oxford University in England.

Politics and Economics student, Ms Rachel Morrow (22), is thrilled about being awarded a scholarship which will allow her to read for a Masters’ degree in Global Governance and Diplomacy at Oxford University in England.

Morrow was one of two recipients of the Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship which acknowledges and encourages top-performing female students.

Morrow is a consistent high-achiever, having entered the University on a merit scholarship for her outstanding IEB matric results. She continued to impress, completing a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Politics and Economics and an Honours degree Economics.

Morrow says she is excited not only about the opportunity to study at Oxford  and pursue her passion for development and conflict resolution but also about the opportunity to fulfil her keen desire to travel and see other parts of the world.

She says she is feeling particularly blessed as she acknowledges that scholarships are difficult to attain. ‘I’ve applied for many but you can never be sure of the outcome because the calibre of students is extremely high, the competition is fierce and the differences between results and achievements are marginal.’ 

Morrow encouraged students to work hard to excel at a high level. ‘You don’t want to be one of thousands of students with an average aggregate of 50%; you want to be the best you can be.’

Her advice to young people is to take full advantage of the tertiary life experience. A member of the UKZN Yachting club, Rotaract Durban Berea (Rotary’s Youth Wing) and the Howard College Debating Union, Morrow says getting involved in these organisations helped her to learn and grow. ‘You create amazing things, - you put in a bit of effort and get so much more of a rewarding experience out of it helping you  grow as a person and as a leader.

‘I interacted with other students who applied for and attained overseas scholarships and they helped me believe I could do the same. I set myself a goal - I visualised my dream of studying at Oxford and it came true.’ 

She also credits her mum for giving her strength by being “the rock” in her life.

Morrow says she loved her years at UKZN. ‘The courses I registered for in the first two years of study focused on critical engagement and encouraged me to have a broader world view.’

She says she is passionate about South Africa and Africa as a whole, and wants to be part of a solution by making a contribution to development and conflict resolution. 

Morrow has left for the United Kingdom.

-Sejal Desai

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Fezile Gwala – Frene Ginwala Scholarship

Ms Fezile Gwala overjoyed on receiving the Frene Ginwala Scholarship.

Ms Fezile Gwala, a first-year student in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science’s School of Engineering, is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering.

Gwala, from Umlazi in Durban, attended Umlazi Comprehensive Technical High School where she developed a deep love for mathematics and science, motivating her decision to study in the Discipline of Civil Engineering.

‘Maths and science have always been my favourites. I fortunately found it relatively simple to grasp the concepts of the subjects so Civil Engineering seemed like a natural career path for me.’

Gwala said the shift from secondary school to tertiary education had been a difficult one, and the process of adapting took time but she eventually found her feet. ‘The workload and the pace were a shock to my system at first but the second semester has proven to be much better and I’ve settled into things now.’

Gwala is the only one in her family to have chosen a career in the sciences with her three siblings deciding on commerce. ‘My family has been a solid support system for me, and my tertiary education is of the utmost importance to them,’ she said

Gwala is grateful for being awarded the Frene Ginwala Scholarship as she believes it will be a great source of encouragement for her to work harder and achieve.

Although her academic work consumes most of her time, Gwala enjoys going to the movies with friends and engaging in other social activities which provide a healthy balance between work and play.

-Barrington Marais

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Humanities PhD Students get UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarships

PhD students from the College of Humanities, Mrs Leigh Adams Tucker (right) and Mr Hloniphani Ndebele who received UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarships.

Two PhD students from the College of Humanities, Mrs Leigh Adams Tucker and Mr Hloniphani Ndebele, were awarded UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarships at the annual Scholarships Awards ceremony.

The scholarship - the most prestigious award at the senior postgraduate level – is funded by UKZN. 

Each year, a maximum of four of the scholarships are awarded to top PhD candidates.

Tucker, who graduated in 2010 with a Master of Social Science degree (summa cum laude), is a PhD Psychology student whose research focuses on discursive subjectivities of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

‘The scholarship validates the many hours of studying and personal sacrifices I have made over the years,’ said Tucker. ‘My family and supervisor, Dr Kaymarlin Govender, have supported and encouraged me throughout and expressed how proud they are of the achievement.

‘Thank you to the donors for recognising the needs of students at the doctoral level – many of whom are facing the dilemma of student budgets and real world expenses.’

Asked about how the scholarship will assist her, Tucker said: ‘Funds have already been allocated to research expenditure for data collection – which is the phase I am currently in with my research.  Overall, the scholarship will provide greater financial security and ease of mind, enabling a more productive “head space” for engaging with the dissertation content.’

Tucker plans to complete her Doctor of Philosophy degree, while also increasing her profile as an early career academic through relevant publications, conference proceedings and teaching opportunities. ‘As a clinical psychologist, I value applied research.  My intention is to translate insights gained regarding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the broader issues of child/youth mental health and education into my therapeutic practice and community intervention strategies.’

Ndebele is in the second year of his PhD at the School of Arts, African Languages Cluster. He graduated with a Master of Arts degree (summa cum laude) last year.

‘I have a strong passion for research, most particularly in the field of African languages, language policy and planning and socio-linguistics. I have an uncompromising belief in language as a basic human right which must be protected and embraced just like other human rights,’ said Ndebele.

‘It is on that a basis that I am conducting my PhD research on the role of information and communication technology in the promotion and intellectualisation of African languages in higher education under the supervision of Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa and Dr Gugulethu Mazibuko.’

He has also presented research papers at several local conferences and co-authored papers with his academic supervisors for publication in accredited journals.

-Melissa Mungroo

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Kashmeel Bisseru – Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship 2013

Mr Kashmeel Bisseru (left) receives his scholarship from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science’s Dean of Teaching and Learning, Professor Bala Pillay.

Based on outstanding results in his Matric year and continued academic excellence during his early tertiary endeavours, second year Chemical Engineering student Mr Kashmeel Bisseru is the proud recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for 2013.

Bisseru said he had decided to keep his options open in terms of the field of study he would follow.  ‘I felt Chemical Engineering was a field which incorporated the study of maths, physics and chemistry in one degree which made it appealing for me. The fact that the degree also involved being creative was a further positive factor.’

The adjustment from high school to university is often daunting and Bisseru felt the pressures. ‘My greatest challenges have been making the adjustment with regard to handling the various pressures and increase in work load from my high school years to what my university degree now requires.

‘The pace at which one has to move can be mentally and physically exhausting and for this reason maintaining the motivation can sometimes be demanding,’ he said.

As with any achievement or academic endeavour a strong support system is vital and Bisseru attributes his success to his parents who have given him their unwavering support allowing him to pursue his chosen field of tertiary study.

He says their solid support was the backbone for the many positive and noteworthy accomplishments he has made throughout his life.

‘I appreciate that the University has decided to award me the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship because such opportunities do not often present themselves in the competitive world of today. I am truly honoured and grateful.’

-Barrington Marais

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Milindi Sibomana – UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarship

PhD student Mr Milindi Sibomana (left) received the UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarship.

Mr Milindi Sibomana, a PhD student from Rwanda, is currently conducting his research - focused primarily on a study into the development of postharvest metrics of sugarcane deterioration - at the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science under the supervision of Professor Carel Bezuidenhout.

Milindi’s tertiary studies have seen him receive a number of accolades which include: graduating summa cum laude, receiving the BIORAD student award in 2008, being selected among South Africa’s Brightest Young Minds in 2009, and numerous merit certificates and scholarships throughout his undergraduate degree.

Receiving the Doctoral Research Scholarship has been a notable achievement for Sibomana. ‘Thanks to my supervisor, co-supervisor and the sugar industry advisor I worked with, I was able to compile a good portfolio to submit an application for the Scholarship,’ he said.

His excellent academic achievements through the years have been the main contributing factor to his success. However he notes: ‘I honestly think without the support of our research team here at UKZN, I wouldn’t have attained the honour of receiving this scholarship.’

Milindi has always expressed a deep passion for science and the possibilities it offers for innovation. He chose to pursue postharvest research because the inter-disciplinary nature of its study. ‘The science is dynamic and one often has to think outside the box to explain phenomena and propose solutions. In short I find the work very fulfilling – though it can be frustrating at times.’

Spending extended periods away from family was the greatest challenge for Milindi, especially because timelines during postgraduate study do not have the fixed holiday schedule of undergraduate study. ‘But then again this has enabled me to connect and develop strong relationships with friends in Pietermaritzburg,’ said Milindi.

‘Above all, I attribute my success as a blessing from God as well as inspiration from my family and colleagues. Having mentioned that, I believe that through working hard and consistently I’ve been able to achieve this.’

Milindi says he is deeply humbled and grateful to have won the award considering the high calibre of other doctoral students in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science.

Milindi’s hobbies include listening to a vast range of music, playing basketball and trying to advance his guitar skills.

-Barrington Marais

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Pietermaritzburg BA Student takes Frene Ginwala Scholarship

UKZN Bachelor of Arts student Ms Mbalenhle Mbatha was the winner of the Frene Ginwala Scholarship.

‘I am being rewarded for doing what I love and this motivates me even more!’

These are the words of UKZN Bachelor of Arts student Ms Mbalenhle Mbatha who was awarded the Frene Ginwala Scholarship.

The scholarship is a prestige entrant equity award made to top Black African female entrants arriving at the University as undergraduate students.

‘Being considered for such a prestigious scholarship has made me so happy because it shows that my hard work and dedication are being recognised,’ said Mbatha.

Mbatha said such scholarships were important because they recognised hard work and helped motivate and inspire students.

‘This scholarship will assist in helping my parents pay for my education. I sometimes put myself in their shoes and realise I can do without some things because it would inconvenience them.

‘The fact that they have got me this far is a blessing. Now the scholarship will help them financially and possibly allow another family member to get to university.’

Mbatha plans to go on to postgraduate studies and wants to play a role in furthering development in rural areas to help people attain a better quality of life.

‘To the donors/funders of this scholarship I convey my deepest gratitude for being considered for such a notable award. I trust they will continue rewarding deserving young people with these scholarships.’ 

- Melissa Mungroo

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Scholarship Winner Aims to “Give Back” to her Community

First-year MBChB student Lucia Noluthando Duma.

First-year MBChB student, Ms Lucia Noluthando Duma (19), was awarded one of 20 Frene Ginwala Scholarships, a special prestige equity award made to top Black African female undergraduates.

Duma says she is proud to represent Black women who are excelling.  The challenge to overcome the drawbacks faced by so many rural youngsters and “enter the doors of a university” had played a vital role in motivating her to achieve.

Duma has memories of accompanying her mother to the market to sell fruit and vegetables but studying during every free moment. She specifically chose to study medicine because she feels it will allow her the opportunity to “help give back to her community”.

‘I am excited about being a role model for the youth of my community, many of whom don’t believe that somebody from a rural area can make their way in the world. I made sure of giving myself options for the future - and if I can do it, so can they!’

Duma, who grew up in Mandeni near Stanger, says she is grateful to her teachers for encouraging and nurturing her. ‘I worked very hard throughout school; attending extra classes at weekends and studying at every available opportunity.’

Duma says her mum is her strength and is very supportive. 

Duma, who has become a role model for her younger brother now in Grade 8, is very proud to be the first of her siblings to enter university.

-Sejal Desai

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The 2013 S2 A3 Medal Scholar – Ryan Baruch Sweke

Mr Ryan Sweke.

PhD student Mr Ryan Sweke was awarded the 2013 Medal Scholar award for the research conducted in his MSc Degree under the supervision of Professor Francesco Petruccione. 

His MSc dissertation was titled: Dissipative Preparation of Entanglement in Cavity QED.

‘To be honest, my nomination for this award came as a complete surprise,’ said Sweke who is currently registered for a PhD under the supervision of Dr Ilya Sinayskiy. Both Petruccione and Sinayskiy are attached to the Centre for Quatumn Technologies at the University.

Sweke was born in Johannesburg and attended high school in Pretoria. After completing his secondary schooling, he was certain he wanted a career in the natural sciences. Initially he began studying biology, but quickly realised his fascination lay in the generalisation and abstraction of mathematics and the power it contained to describe broadly related aspects of the natural world.

He completed his BSc and BSc (Hons) degrees at the University of Cape Town.

‘My research is in the broad field of Quantum Information Science which aims to use information theoretic concepts – the mathematical theory behind our modern computers – to gain insight into quantum mechanics and conversely to use quantum mechanics to gain insight into information theory,’ said Sweke.

‘My MSc was focused on developing interesting methods for the production of entanglement, which is a key feature of quantum mechanics and which has turned out to be a crucial resource for the processing of quantum information; a generalisation of the regular information processed by our everyday computers,’ explained Sweke.

Sweke says the success he has enjoyed in his studies stems directly from relationships he has forged in his field over the years as well as the input of his friends and family.

‘I have also been fortunate enough to study and work with a large variety of extremely talented and motivated individuals. I also feel particularly strongly that the influence of my friends and family has been invaluable in developing a broader understanding of the world and staying happy and healthy.’

Sweke said receiving the Scholar Award was a great honour. ‘I feel extremely strongly that as young South Africans and aspiring academics it is absolutely crucial that we compete on an international level and enable ourselves to participate in dialogues related to our field on a global scale.’

Sweke has recently become interested in rock climbing and mountaineering. He also maintains an ardent interest in music, horticulture, literature and travelling. He hopes, over the next few years, to travel extensively in sub-Saharan Africa.

-Barrington Marais

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Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for Humanities Student

Bachelor of Social Science student Mr Mfundo Mdletshe (left) who was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship.

UKZN Bachelor of Social Science student Mr Mfundo Mdletshe has won a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship.

The scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2013 to the five top-ranked undergraduates proceeding from first-year to second-year study in each of the four Colleges.

‘I am deeply humbled,’ said Mdletshe. ‘It always feels good to be recognised and rewarded for hard work. Coming from a large family with limited financial resources this scholarship will substantially lessen the financial burden on my family and will also allow me to devote a greater amount of time to my studies.’

He thanked his family and friends, and his mother for their consistent support and words of encouragement. ‘My mother always reminds me to be grateful to God for everything and to humble myself at all times.

‘To the donors - I am grateful for your kindness and support for university students. Your generosity will certainly help me reach my goals. I have been inspired by donors such as you who make it possible for students to make progress in a university.’

Mdletshe, who aims to graduate with a PhD in Geography and Environmental Management, advised future scholarship recipients to remain humble and let “your successes speak volumes”.

‘Scholarships, such as the Vice-Chancellor’s, are the rewards which make quality education possible for hard-working, ambitious students.’

-Melissa Mungroo

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Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Winner Inspired to Help other Students

College of Law and Management’s Dean of Teaching and Learning, Professor Kriben Pillay (right) hands over the scholarship award to Ms Angelique Barroso.

Receiving the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship at this year’s Awards Ceremony has inspired Law student, Ms Angelique Barroso, to empower other students.

Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships were awarded for the first time in 2012 to the five top-ranked undergraduates proceeding from first-year to second-year study in each of the four Colleges. The recipients are therefore the top students among several thousand others in each of UKZN’s Colleges.

For Barroso this achievement was made possible by her lecturers’ guidance and excellent tutoring which have motivated the second-year LLB student to become a student tutor so that she can help others succeed in their studies.

‘Receiving the Scholarship has opened many doors for me. I cannot express in words how grateful I am. The Scholarship has motivated me to strive even harder and to remember how fortunate I am to have been able to study law at such a great Institution,’ said Barroso.

While her future career prospects lie in Maritime Law or Family Law, Barroso is also passionate about assisting other students to meet the challenges facing them in teaching and learning.

‘When I arrived at UKZN I had no idea what the future would hold. I was excited to start studying what I was passionate about and to begin the first step of many in building my future but I obviously had to deal with a variety of challenges.

‘However, these challenges are easy to overcome when you are surrounded by nurturing lecturers as I was - now I want to do that for other students,’ said Barroso.

-Thandiwe Jumo

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Scholarship Awards 2013 Gallery

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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