Future Looks Bright for Scholarship Recipients

BY: .

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