Sparking Potential: UKZN Student Secures Prestigious Aberdare Cables Bursary

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UKZN Electronic Engineering student Ms Olwethu Sosibo, was recently awarded a bursary from Aberdare Cables, easing the financial burden of her studies and enabling her to pursue her passion for innovation and technology.

Being accepted into university was both exciting and daunting for Sosibo, especially as funding her education proved difficult. Although her parents supported her ambitions, relying on self-funding made the journey even harder.

‘My academic path has not always been easy - I attended remedial schooling and had to overcome various obstacles. I not only conquered those challenges but also defied the stigma that students from remedial backgrounds cannot achieve great things,’ said Sosibo.

In high school, she shattered expectations by excelling in academics, taking on leadership roles in sports such as netball, and serving as head girl. Her background continues to fuel her motivation, shaped by the struggles she has witnessed in her community and her own family’s experiences of poverty.

‘My parents experienced poverty first-hand, and I see the same struggles when I return home. This reality fuels my drive to work hard and succeed,’ she said.

Sosibo was encouraged from an early age to be curious and innovative - traits that guided her toward a career in electronic engineering. ‘Growing up, I aspired to develop innovations that improve lives,’ she said. ‘Now my studies focus on applying engineering principles to solve real-world challenges.’

Outside the classroom, Sosibo enjoys sports, going to the gym, singing and playing the piano. Looking ahead, she hopes to use her engineering expertise to drive meaningful change and contribute to society through innovation.

Sosibo acknowledged the importance of financial support in making Higher Education more accessible. ‘The support of bursaries makes a huge difference for students like me. Knowing that companies believe in our dreams gives us hope. The bursary I received for my first year significantly eased the financial burden on my family.’

Her message to fellow students is one of perseverance and resilience: ‘Embrace failure, stay resilient and remember that learning is a lifelong journey. Anything is possible with determination and the right opportunities.’

Thanks to the support of Aberdare Cables, Sosibo is one step closer to achieving her dream of using technology to make a difference in the world.

Aberdare Cables is southern Africa’s largest supplier of intelligent energy interconnection products and services. Established in 1946, the company offers cable design, product development, installation support, commissioning and diagnostic testing through its engineering services division.

Words: Melissa Mungroo

Photograph: Supplied