Students Set to Spread their Wings after Receiving Overseas Scholarships

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Emma Smith Overseas Scholarships have been awarded to two students in the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences: Ms Siyethaba Bhengu, who is studying for a Master’s degree in Physiology, and Ms Nokwethaba Kweyama, a Bachelor of Medical Biochemistry Honours candidate.

The Scholarship provides postgraduate opportunities to study abroad for top-performing female students who reside in eThekwini.

Bhengu is preparing to travel to the University of Cambridge’s Clinical Neurosciences Division in England where she will advance her ongoing research aimed at establishing the effect the genome editing tool, CRISPR/Cas9, has on curing or slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Said Bhengu: ‘Growing up I was exposed to elders who were affected by neurodegenerative diseases, with one of my grandmothers suffering from Alzheimer’s disease until the time of her death, but it was labelled witchcraft because of lack of knowledge.’

Bhengu said when she joined UKZN and learned about neurodegenerative diseases, she became informed on the causes, current treatment and management plans, which increased her desire to study further. ‘Most importantly, I want to eventually be able to go back to my community and educate them about these diseases and the dangers of the stigma that is attached to them.’

‘My greatest motivating factor is my family. I come from an academically strong family - my maternal grandmother holds a Master’s degree in Nursing and travelled the world to present her research. My dad is currently pursuing his PhD in Physiotherapy and my mom has more than three degrees to her name, so I felt inspired to follow suit.’

Bhengu completed her undergraduate and honours degrees cum laude, receiving UKZN’s postgraduate scholarship for her honours and master’s degrees, and Deans’ Commendations.

‘My prospects include completing my PhD and postdoc fellowship within record time. I want to travel as much as I can while also presenting my research and building networks within the neuroscience world. Ultimately, my biggest goal is to have my own lab, specialising in improving neurodegenerative disease treatment, specifically catering for my African community,’ said Bhengu.

Kweyama said she was proud but humbled by the scholarship, saying it motivated her to make the most of the opportunity. ‘It’s an honour to be recognised for my hard work and I’m excited about the possibilities it opens for my academic and personal growth.’

Gearing up to pursue a Master of Science in Biomedical Science Research at the University of Bristol in England, with specialised focus on neuroscience and mental health disorders, Kweyama said: ‘Growing up in South Africa, I have seen first-hand the profound impact of mental health disorders and neurological conditions on individuals, families and communities. Unfortunately, many get inadequate treatment and find support elusive due to limited resources and understanding. This reality has fuelled my determination to pursue studies in neuroscience and mental health. Along with my strong passion for helping others, I believe that advanced studies in mental health research will equip me with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop more effective treatments and interventions and increase awareness and advocacy surrounding the issues.’

Kweyama obtained her Bachelor of Medical Science degree in Physiology cum laude and her Bachelor of Medical Science Honours degree in Medical Biochemistry summa cum laude. She has received Deans’ Commendations and merit certificates and was invited to be a member of the Golden Key Honour Society.

She was also the recipient of a UKZN Postgraduate Scholarship as well as the Archbishop Denis Hurley Scholarship.

Kweyama says she aims to contribute to increasing knowledge, developing better treatments, and advocating for mental health awareness and support. ‘The unwavering support and encouragement from friends and family and their belief in my potential have driven me to strive for excellence. Additionally, the inspiring work of researchers who are making ground-breaking discoveries has fuelled my passion and commitment to contribute to this field.’

Words: Lunga Memela

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini