Volleyball Star Wins UKZN Prestige Sports Scholarship

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UKZN Volleyball Men’s team member Mr Thandolwethu Ngobese has been awarded a UKZN Prestige Sports Scholarship.

Ngobese, who recently participated in the 2022 World Beach Volleyball Pro Tour in Cape Town, says he is grateful as the scholarship has relieved his family of the financial burden of paying his fees and this has motivated him to continue with his studies while participating in sport.

‘The scholarship changed my life because I can play the game I love while continuing my studies beyond a bachelor’s degree,’ he said.

Among his other awards and accolades are a Bronze medal at the 2019 National Beach Volleyball tournament; Champion at the 2019 University Sports South Africa event, and finishing fourth at the 2018 and 2019 Volleyball South Africa Splash festival. On the academic front, he is studying for his master’s degree in Banking and Investment Management.

‘My motivation for this qualification is I have always been curious about what hinders an individual or business from creating wealth and understanding what can be done to eliminate barriers,’ said Ngobese.  His research topic is titled Analysing the Barriers of Wealth Creation for Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) Business Owners in KwaZulu-Natal.

‘It’s an opportunity for me to present something to the world of work that anyone can use as inspiration to reach their own level of greatness. The thesis will also help towards breaking through wealth creation barriers faced by individuals regarding their own finances.’

He intends to apply his expertise to help small businesses generate wealth while maintaining their presence and viability within their specific industry. ‘Another goal is becoming an individual who helps people realise their financial dreams by changing the conversation and perception around money,’ he said.

Words: Samukelisiwe Cele

Photograph: Albert Hirasen