Scholarship Winner Aims to “Give Back” to her Community

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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