UKZN Reaffirms Its Purpose of Shaping Changemakers Through Scholarship Awards

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The University of KwaZulu-Natal recently hosted the prestigious Scholarship Awards event where it honoured 86 outstanding student achievers.

Of the awards presented, 78 went to students who excelled academically, demonstrated strong community engagement, and distinguished themselves as leaders. Eight were awarded to students who had outdone themselves on the sporting field, earning provincial and national honours.

In his welcome address, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning and Chair of the Scholarships Committee, Professor Thabo Msibi, said the event was a celebration of excellence and the remarkable achievements of the students who are the Institution’s pride and joy.

Msibi described the awards as an affirmation of the University’s purpose in imparting knowledge, nurturing young leadership, inspiring innovation and shaping the changemakers of tomorrow.

Applauding the trailblazers for their display of discipline, commitment, hard work, and excellence, Msibi said: “Remember that the scholarships you have attained carry the names of iconic individuals who have shaped the history of our country. May their legacies continue to inspire you, may you reach even higher grounds, may you push even further, and reach a level where you leave a unique mark in the world.”

He added, “This recognition is not the end, only the beginning, and the world awaits your brilliance.”

Reflecting on her own journey of being elected Deputy Chair of the Public Service Commission at the age of 37, guest speaker Ms Zukiswa Mqolomba encouraged individuals not to despise small beginnings. She shared how, as a small-town girl from King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape, her journey was one of perseverance and purpose.

Urging the awardees to occupy space in whatever field they are in, to dare to be different, and to dare to dream, Mqolomba shared how she has mastered the art of leadership as a young person occupying a space predominantly navigated by older individuals, by learning to communicate her radical ideas in a palatable and diplomatic manner.

Previous scholarship recipients, Mr Liso Potwana who received the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary shared his journey at UKZN and spoke about his challenges with imposter syndrome, while Ms Kelisha Pandaram, awardee of the Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship, reflected on how the opportunity to travel abroad transformed her entire perspective on life.

Delivering her vote of thanks, Professor Mogie Subban from the College of Law and Management Studies, acknowledged the Scholarships Committee for their tireless efforts in selecting an extraordinary group of recipients who embody the talent at UKZN.

She thanked the parents and guardians for providing an environment where the awardees could thrive, and acknowledged the sponsors, donors, and various UKZN divisions that made the event a success.

UKZN alumni provided stellar performances, with Dr Lusanda Zwane directing the proceedings and lyric soprano, Ms Busie Shazi serenading the crowd.

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photograph: Andile Ndlovu