Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarships Recognise STEM Excellence

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The Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarships are named after the former first Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Professor Malegapuru W. Makgoba, and are awarded to the five top-ranked undergraduates proceeding from first to second year in each of the four Colleges. 

In the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science the proud recipients were Mr Aveer Alamchand, Mr Narado Chetty, Mr Mthobisi Dladla, Ms Emma Hodgson and Ms Amahle Shozi. 

Alamchand, a student in Computer Science and Information Technology (IT), learnt to love IT and coding while at school and found UKZN the ideal destination for exploring these fields, conveniently close to home. The University has provided a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere equipped with professional and dedicated academic staff that inspired a passion for his studies and made learning easier. 

Alamchand, who enjoys spending time with his family and friends to relax and maintain a connected and balanced life, is passionate about fitness and spends time in the campus gym and playing indoor soccer every week, finding stress relief and enhanced focus through physical activity. 

Fascinated with solving complex problems, Alamchand chose UKZN for its reputation and academic environment; planning to continue to honours level and a career in IT. Receiving this scholarship has alleviated financial pressure, allowed him to focus on his studies, and incentivised him to continue doing well in his studies. 

He thanked his family and friends for their support and encouragement, thanked God for divine provision, and thanked UKZN academic staff for their guidance and assistance. 

Dladla, a Bachelor of Science student, was attracted to UKZN owing to its strong reputation in scientific research and education, modern facilities, and its experienced academics. Dladla has enjoyed his Bachelor of Science studies due to the Discipline’s structured approach to exploring scientific theories and principles that will enable him to contribute to advancements in technology and innovation. Planning to major in Statistics and Applied Mathematics, Dladla said his studies align with his passion for understanding the natural world and solving real-world problems through analytical thinking. 

He plans to pursue honours in Statistics and build a career as a data analyst to solve complex problems and drive informed decision-making. Receiving a scholarship for his studies has encouraged Dladla to perform at his best and aim for academic excellence and integrity. 

He thanked his mother for her encouragement and instruction, and his family and friends for their support in helping him to qualify for the scholarship. 

Hodgson transferred to UKZN from distance learning to enjoy a hands-on approach to her studies. A “Durbanite”, studying at UKZN enabled her to meet many like-minded students and enhance her university experience. 

In addition to her studies, Hodgson teaches a weekly Further Studies Mathematics class to Grade 10 students at Westville Boys’ High. She sews in her spare time - producing clothing garments - amongst other hobbies. 

Aiming to be a teacher, Hodgson initially majored in Physics and Chemistry before switching to Physics and Applied Mathematics. She aspires to read for a PhD in the future. 

Hodgson expressed gratitude for receiving the scholarship, saying it validated her hard work, particularly the effort required to transition from distance learning to “physical” studies, calling her transfer to UKZN the best decision she made. 

She thanked her family and friends for their invaluable support and encouragement. 

Shozi is studying for her Bachelor of Science in the four-year augmented programme and was drawn to studying at UKZN because of its reputation as one of the best universities in the country. 

Balancing her studies with attending church to strengthen her relationship with God, Shozi dedicates all her effort to her studies and plans to major in Physics and Applied Mathematics. 

She plans to continue studying to PhD level and is particularly excited about making contributions to the field of physics. 

Shozi was grateful for the contribution of the scholarship to her 2024 tuition, and she thanked her mother for her support in her academic journey and her Physics lecturer, Mr Siyabonga Ntombela, for imparting a love of physics, as well as other lecturers and friends who supported her.

Words: Christine Cuenod

Photographs: Supplied and Sethu Dlamini