UKZN Hosts its 18th Golf Day

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Golfing enthusiasts took to the Zimbali Golf Course in July for a round of golf in support of academically deserving students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Funds were raised for eight students through the University’s 18^th annual Golf Day - a highlight on the University calendar for alumni, staff and students. 

In her welcome address, the Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Ms Normah Zondo, thanked all the sponsors, including Standard Bank, which has been the lead sponsor for 12 years.

Zondo emphasised the impact of the scholarships: “These are not just numbers - these are lives being changed. Every sponsor, every player, every contribution counts,” she said.

Zondo acknowledged the players and other sponsors for giving hope to the students. “Thank you for believing in the transformative power of Higher Education. Your generosity has helped to drive real change,” she said. 

“May the spirit of giving remain as strong as your backswing,” she quipped.

Speaking on behalf of the bursary recipients, Ms Siphesihle Ndlela said: “South Africa’s past with education is one that we all know, one where education was a privilege only provided for a few. We grew up with dreams of reaching heights that our grandparents and some of our parents could not even begin to imagine. However, this dream always seems a bit further away from reach when you lack the financial capacity to fully manifest it, it is when you struggle with registration because of unpaid fees, when you cannot obtain your academic record after all the hard work you put in because you could not afford to pay those fees,” said Ndlela.

“However, it is individuals like yourselves who restore that hope. When you take time out of your day, and money out of your pockets. The donations you have made are not only an investment to paying off our fees but they are also an investment into our future, an investment into the lives we aim to touch through our chosen careers and an investment into future generations as well who will find themselves in our shoes in years to come - when we will be the ones sitting at these tables as donors paying it forward because we understand the magnitude of someone believing in your potential enough to invest in it,” she said. 

“It is because of you that we can sleep a little better at night, focus a little more and channel more energy into our studies. On behalf of all recipients of this bursary, thank you to all the sponsors from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for seeing us, thank you for believing in us and most importantly thank you for investing in us.”

The Commercial Banking Relationship Manager at Standard Bank and UKZN alumnus, Mr Mdu Zenda, underscored the importance of education. “When the going gets tough, always remind yourself of the endless opportunities and possibilities education can bring forth.”

“Academics require lots of dedication, patience and can often be lonely - but I hope that our sponsorships today signal that we see you, we are clapping for you and we understand your plight,” said Zenda.

Nineteen-year-old Miss Sinokuhle Beje from Maclear in the Eastern Cape is reading for a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting.

“One of the biggest challenges has been the financial pressure on my family. My parents are responsible for supporting not only my studies but also the university education of my three sisters. This scholarship eases that burden and allows me to focus more on my studies without constant financial stress. It brings me one step closer to completing my degree successfully,” said Beje. 

She said she was inspired by Ms Nonkululeko Gobodo to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. “As South Africa’s first Black female Chartered Accountant, she broke barriers during apartheid and went on to co-found one of the country’s largest Black-owned audit firms. Her courage to lead and create opportunities reminds me that with determination and purpose, I too can rise above challenges and succeed.”

“I am truly grateful to Standard Bank and all the other sponsors for investing in students like me from the ‘missing middle’. Your support not only lightens our financial load but also motivates us to keep striving for excellence. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in my life,” said Beje.

Third-year Bachelor of Oral Hygiene student Miss Caitlin Reddy said her academic journey has come with its fair share of challenges. “From long hours of studying and clinical work to the constant pressure of balancing personal responsibilities with academic expectations. Financial strain has often added to that stress, but receiving this bursary has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. It not only eases the financial burden but also allows me to focus more fully on my studies and future goals. I’m truly grateful to the sponsors for this generous support - it’s made a meaningful difference in my life.”

“My parents have made countless sacrifices to support my education, often putting their own needs aside to ensure I have every opportunity to succeed. Their hard work, resilience, and unwavering belief in me inspire me every single day. Knowing the effort, they’ve put in pushes me to stay focused, work harder, and make the most of every opportunity - not just for myself, but to honour everything they’ve done for me,” said Reddy.

Ms Abigail Stoffels, from Pietermaritzburg, is currently in her third year of studying towards a Bachelor of Medical Science in Physiology. She said this bursary will allow her to focus on her studies: “Studying away from home and being self-funded has been one of the challenges on my academic journey. I have depended solely on my parents to cover all my financial needs, including accommodation, transport, and food, which has placed significant pressure on them and myself. Receiving this bursary will help to ease that burden and give my parents and me relief,” said Stoffels. 

“My parents inspire me to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. Watching them work hard to provide for me - not just financially, but in every aspect of my life - and ensuring I have more opportunities and choices than they had, motivates me every day. Their unwavering support is my greatest encouragement,” she added. 

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for this opportunity. I do not take it for granted and will continue to work hard to make the most of it.”

Mr Wandile Gusha, a Bachelor of Science student in Computer Science and Information Technology from Bizana in the Eastern Cape, outlined the challenges he has faced and how the scholarship will help: “Coming from a financially disadvantaged background, it has often been difficult to meet the financial demands of university. There have been times when I was uncertain about how I would afford essential study materials or even continue my studies. This scholarship is a huge relief - it will allow me to fully focus on my academic journey without the constant burden of financial stress,” said Gusha.

“My biggest inspiration is my family and the desire to create a better future for us. I am also deeply motivated by the idea of using technology to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact on society. Knowing that others believe in my potential gives me strength when times get tough,” he said. 

“I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship and the support it represents - it means more than words can express,” he added.

Second-year Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences’ student, Miss Erin Chantler, said one of the biggest challenges at university is finding the balance between academic and personal life. “Compared to school - the content at university is immensely more voluminous. You must be continuously engaging with your studies to not fall behind in the lecture content. With the degree that I’m studying, I spend most of my day on campus, with lectures starting at 7h45 and lab-based practicals only ending at 17h00. This makes it difficult to potentially get a part-time job to earn money as a student, as I still have to go home and revise the lecture content from that day,” she said. 

“This scholarship not only eases the financial burden of paying for my tertiary education, which I am grateful to my parents for, but it also motivates me to continue to put in the hard work and late nights studying to continue to achieve good results.”

“When things get tough, I am grateful that I have a family that is there for me and continuously supports me throughout my academic journey. My friends also play a large role in continuously motivating me to be the best student I can be.”

“I’d just like to thank the sponsors that have made these scholarships possible. They have helped to change the lives of many students,” said Chantler.

Twenty-four-year-old Ms Siphesihle Ndlela from Ridgeview, Cato Manor is in her third year of reading for a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Politics and Philosophy. “My main challenge has been fees. I was financially excluded in 2022, and as a result, a degree I was supposed to complete in 2023/2024 will now take two extra years. The financial difficulties, coupled with academic stress, have been difficult to navigate - especially given the limited bursary and scholarship funding available to ‘missing middle’ humanities students. This scholarship will help to alleviate that financial strain,” said Ndlela.

“My mom is my biggest support system and has always tried her best to ensure that I know how proud she is of the dedication I give to my studies. She’s also set a very good example for myself and my siblings on not giving up and always trying even when there seems to be no immediate solution. Her support inspires and drives me to want more for myself and my future,” said Ndlela. 

“My sincerest gratitude to all the sponsors of this scholarship,” she added. 

Miss Thando Nzuza a third-year Bachelor of Social Science student majoring in Marketing, Media and Cultural Studies, said: “Aside from making my mom proud, my passion for self-development and education inspires me and has made every challenge worthwhile.”

“Not having funding made studying difficult. I chose not to stay in residence to avoid the extra cost, which meant long daily commutes to and from campus. This scholarship will allow me to settle my fees - lifting a great burden off my shoulders and allowing me to focus entirely on my studies,” said Nzuza.

Mr Thapelo Nyawose, a third-year LLB student at UKZN, said he was truly honoured to receive the bursary. “Receiving this bursary brings me closer towards finishing my degree reduces the weight of financial stress. It reassures me that my hard work and dedication is recognised.”

Professor Ernest Kalema, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Law and Management Studies, thanked the sponsors and everyone who had made the day a success, including Corporate Relations’ Ms Shakila Thakurpersad, the tournament organiser.

Sponsors included Standard Bank, Serendipity Corporate Division, Travel with Flair, Konica Minolta, Southern Sun, Syavaya Corporate Travel, The Capital Group, the Graduate School of Business and Leadership, the College of Humanities, DALRO, Shepstone & Wylie, Magic Pan Caterers, Coastlands Hotels & Resorts, Sun International, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, and Panish Caterers.

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer 

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini and supplied