An Honour and a Responsibility – College DVC Scholarship Awardees Agree

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This year’s College of Humanities Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s (DVC) Scholarship Award winners, Ms Farah Winkler, Ms Duduzile Sibiya and Mr Ilesh Bhagwathipersad all share a drive to succeed and a commitment to give back to their alma mater when they finish their studies.

The scholarships are awarded annually to the three top-ranked undergraduates proceeding from second to subsequent years of study, recognising top performance over two or more years of undergraduate study.

Currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Social Science degree, Winkler is majoring in Psychology and Linguistics. ‘My dream is to study further and achieve summa cum laude passes in Psychology,’ she said.

Driven by a desire to use her knowledge, experience and empathy to help others overcome their personal struggles, Winkler aims to be part of the mental health advocacy movement and drive awareness of its critical importance. ‘Once I qualify as a professional psychologist, I want to open my own practice and use my personal understanding of the importance of mental health awareness for healing,’ said Winkler.

She is a firm believer in giving back and aims to do so by becoming a mentor to students. ‘Student life is about making mistakes and learning from them. As someone who has dealt with academic anxiety, I understand how important this message is.’

She is grateful her hard work has been recognised and that the award has alleviated the financial burden from her parents.

Sibiya is pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree specialising in Mathematics and Technology. This final year has been the most challenging as she lost her mother in May. ‘I plan to work hard to make her proud. I am grateful to my mother and my family for being pillars of strength and helping make my path easier. I dedicate this scholarship to my late mother, Mrs Gcwalisile Sithole, for her unwavering support and guidance, Ngiyabonga Dingiswayo!’

Sibiya said: ‘This scholarship serves as validation for my hard work and has motivated me to pursue my postgraduate qualifications in maths to become a mathematics teacher and share my love of the subject.’

A third-year Bachelor of Education student, Bhagwathipersad’s academic journey has been driven by his passion for learning and commitment to making a positive impact in the field of education.

Said Bhagwathipersad: ‘From my early schooling, I was always fascinated by how teachers could inspire and shape young minds. This curiosity led me to pursue my studies in Education.’ He found his passion in the biology and technology stream and has actively participated in research projects, practical work and field-related activities, deepening his understanding of educational theories and practices.

His goal is to study further and delve deeper into teaching and learning within the biology stream, contributing original research and advancing the collective knowledge held about biology education. ‘I aim to become an innovator and leader in the field of science education to inspire and motivate learners to take on science subjects in schools,’ he said.

Sibiya, Winkler and Bhagwathipersad all agree that being selected as a recipient of this Scholarship is an honour and a responsibility. All are deeply appreciative of the University’s investment in their futures and are committed to giving back to the University community in meaningful ways.

Said Sibiya: ‘Mentoring undergraduate students, participating in academic studies and conferences, and collaborating on research initiatives are some of the ways we can give back.’

Bhagwathipersad added: ‘Supporting initiatives that enhance community outreach and student development, is another avenue we can add value through.’

They all thanked their lecturers and University staff for their support and for making their academic journeys interesting and challenging. ‘Our time at UKZN has provided us with many new perspectives, insights and opportunities for growth. Although UKZN is an academic environment, it provides a strong sense of community and support.’

Words: Jennene Naidu
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini