Travel Bursary for “Bright Young Mind”

BY: .

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