Scholarship Recognises Top First Year Students

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

In the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, the award went to Ms Keemiya Chetty, Mr Kwanele Gwala, Mr Inga Thanduxolo Kunene, Mr Shinolin Rathensamy and Ms Shraddha Sukai. While Chetty, Kunene and Sukai are all studying towards a BSc degree in Computer Science and Information Technology, Gwala is registered for a BSc in Chemistry and Chemical Technology, and Rathensamy for a BSc in Biological Sciences.

The young rising science stars say they chose UKZN for its strong academic reputation and strategic advantages.

Chetty appreciated being able to study close to her home in Durban while benefiting from the Institution’s national prestige; Sukai cited proximity to her support system and the strength of UKZN’s Computer Science and IT programmes as key factors in her decision; while Gwala was impressed by the wide variety of programmes and the holistic student experience, including the vibrant campus life and development opportunities.

Throughout their studies they found joy and enrichment in different aspects of university life, with Chetty particularly enjoying the structure of the computer science modules and the approachable, knowledgeable lecturers; Gwala thriving on the balance UKZN offered between academics and social development through sports and clubs; and Sukai finding the environment intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding, while appreciating the diversity and inclusivity that broadened her worldview.

Maintaining a healthy balance between academic demands and personal well-being played a crucial role in their success. Chetty pursued creative outlets such as painting, drawing and piano playing while also enjoying leisure sports including swimming and tennis. Travel, both local and international, was a form of rejuvenation for her. Gwala, who is passionate about soccer, played for the Pietermaritzburg campus team, which helped him manage stress and remain mentally refreshed. For Sukai, her Hindu faith, time with family and love for dancing were essential in maintaining a sense of peace and identity outside of academics.

The top achievers all acknowledged a love for problem-solving and innovation.

Chetty’s interest in coding began in high school and evolved into a passion for statistics, leading her to pursue a major in Computer Science and Statistics. Gwala chose to study towards a BSc Chemistry and Chemical Technology owing to his fascination with chemical processes and their applications in medicine and technological innovation. Sukai, captivated by the dynamic nature of technology, chose a double major in Computer Science and Information Technology to prepare herself for a wide range of opportunities she intends to pursue with an honours degree, followed by a master’s qualification in either Computer Science or Statistics, with the hope of combining her career with travel. Gwala plans to continue his studies all the way to a PhD, aspiring to contribute to research and academia in a way that supports future professionals. Sukai aims to gain real world industry experience after completing her undergraduate degree before returning for postgraduate studies in a more specialised area.

The students were all grateful for being scholarship award-winners. For Chetty, it serves as a strong motivator to maintain high academic standards while Gwala views it as recognition of his dedication and a financial support system that eases the burden of tuition, and Sukai sees the award as a deeply meaningful acknowledgement of both her own perseverance and her family’s sacrifices, particularly during financially challenging times.

Chetty thanked her family, friends and lecturers for believing in her; Gwala expressed his gratefulness to God, his family, friends and lecturers, while also recognising his own role in bringing everything together; and Sukai thanked her parents for their unwavering support, her friends for their encouragement and the scholarship committee for recognising her hard work.

With their achievements recognised, the College’s new generation of high flyers are on course for a bright future not only for themselves but also for the fields they aim to transform.

Words: Sally Frost

Photographs: Nkosikhona Gcabashe