Pius Langa Scholarship for College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science Student

BY: .

First-year Bachelor of Engineering student, Mr Aboobakr Joosab, was the only recipient of the Pius Langa Scholarship from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES). 

The scholarship is named after renowned former Chief Justice of South Africa, Pius Langa, the last Chancellor of the former University of Natal (now UKZN) and the first Ombud of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Pius Langa Scholarships are awarded to top performing new undergraduate entrants. These scholarships are awarded to students ranked in the top 10 by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Education Department National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations or top nationally in the Independent Examinations Board matriculation examinations. 

Joosab, who achieved outstanding matric results at the Al Falaah College last year, has always had an inquiring mind and enjoys the intricacies and challenges of mathematics and science. He said, ‘The Pius Langa Scholarship has given me the opportunity to explore and excel in fields I’m passionate about. The intricate information and in-depth nature of maths and science really intrigued me, hence my choice of degree. My love for chemistry and engineering led me to pursue my degree in Chemical Engineering.’

Joosab’s excellent academic performance at school continued into first semester at University where he attained five distinctions. He attributes his continued achievements to the unconditional support from his friends and family.

Joosab is grateful to the Pius Langa Scholarship Foundation for reducing his parents’ financial strain with regards to his tuition, adding that the scholarship will serve as an inspiration for him to excel in his studies.

‘Remember that hard work pays off, keep your head up and know that even if you don’t do well in matric, it’s never the end of the road,’ he advised pupils and fellow students.

Words: Swastika Maney

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini