Meet the “Fabulous Five” Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarships Recipients

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The five recipients of the Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarships come from diverse disciplines across UKZN’s College of Humanities but share a common strong work ethic and desire to succeed.

Together they highlight the kaleidoscope and dimension within the College of Humanities with their studies including Social Science, Music, Theology, English, and Media and Cultural Studies.

The Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship, named after the first Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UKZN, is awarded to the five top-ranked undergraduates proceeding from first to second year in the four Colleges.

The students are:

Mr Sibonelo Luthuli who is studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Luthuli’s love of the Arts has made it easy to adapt to his chosen degree although it has not been without trials. ‘Learning something new presents challenges but I’m on the right track and look forward to the careers I can explore with this degree,’ he said. Planning to complete his Doctorate in Music, his dream is to learn to play African instruments and teach others professionally.

Said Luthuli: ‘It is an honour to receive this scholarship. I plan to excel academically and motivate others to study at UKZN.’

Outside music he says he loves playing soccer which provides a release for him. Luthuli is grateful for the love and support he has received from his family, friends and UKZN staff. ‘I had doubts but this support and affirmation have inspired me. The entire UKZN staff is brilliant, from the security officers to the lecturers. They always make me feel like I’m in the right place,’ he said.

Ms Shazia Suliman is currently in her second year of a Social Science degree majoring in Psychology and Industrial Psychology. Referring to herself as a mature student, she said: ‘I am grateful to be able to study at the age of 29 and believe that life experience has given me a greater respect for knowledge and having the opportunity to attain it is something I don’t take for granted.’

Planning on completing a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Suliman wants to hone her skills by initially working with organisations such as Gift of the Givers as a counsellor and then plans to focus on rehabilitation. ‘I believe substance abuse is a deeply stigmatised and unaddressed issue, especially within the Muslim community,’ she said.

Suliman is motivated by empowering others and is grateful for her family’s belief in her especially when she sometimes didn’t believe in herself. ‘UKZN is an experience that shapes your outlook on life and provides you with tools to prosper without forgetting to uplift those in need.’

Ms Ishka Rajmoney is studying towards her Social Science degree with a double major in Psychology. ‘After my postgraduate studies, I will focus on becoming a practising clinical psychologist working in a hospital setting before opening my own practice,’ Rajmoney said.

Ms Thandi Gova was attracted to the study of Theology and is enjoying her academic journey. ‘It has required hard work, but I have wonderful lecturers who support my goal of working within the church to facilitate the interpretation of scripture to practically address people’s holistic needs. This includes assisting people develop their own solutions to address their needs in partnership with the church,’ said Gova.

‘This scholarship has afforded me the relief of not having to worry about tuition allowing me to focus on my studies and to continue my journey towards realising my goal in the ministry.’

Gova advises her peers to enjoy freedom in moderation. ‘Whether on a scholarship or bursary, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of this privilege that many people desire.’

Ms Courtney Louter is studying English and Media and Cultural Studies in the School of Arts. Her passion for travel took her abroad as an exchange student while in high school. ‘After matric I examined alternate avenues, teaching Music at a bible art college in the Free State, followed by volunteering for various non-profit organisations (NPOs) feeding underprivileged communities and working to rescue and counsel sexually abused girls,’ said Louter.

Now at UKZN, Louter’s interests lie in literature and communication. Through the UKZN Student Exchange Programme she will attend the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in South Korea from September to December this year.

Louter plans to work in publishing and is currently a journalism intern at Caxton Media to gain experience.

‘The scholarship is a testament to God’s provision for me and signifies UKZN’s generous contribution to my education and encouragement and acknowledgement of my academic achievements. My experience has been intellectually stimulating and I am grateful for the guidance of UKZN’s exceptional lecturers,’ added Louter.

Words: Jennene Naidu

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini