Frene Ginwala Prestige Scholarships Awarded to UKZN’s Top 10 Black Female Entrants for 2025

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The top 10 Black female students entering their first year of study in 2025 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) were awarded the prestigious Frene Ginwala Prestige Entrant Equity Scholarships.

Nine of the recipients - Ms Bomi Halutushe, Ms Zine Mabaso, Ms Siphosphelele Masango, Ms Slindokuhle Mngxati, Ms Nonkululeko Myende, Ms Philisiwe Ngubane, Ms Slindokuhle Nyawose, Ms Siphokazi Shezi, and Ms Amanda Sibiya - chose to pursue Medicine, while Ms Minenhle Ngobese enrolled in the Law programme.

Named after UKZN’s first Chancellor, and the former Speaker of Parliament, the Frene Ginwala Scholarships support top Black African female undergraduate entrants, enabling them to excel across all disciplines.

Ngubane, a high achiever who matriculated at Zuzulwazi Secondary School in uMgungundlovu with seven distinctions, was the top student entering the first-year MBChB programme, with 47 points and an aggregate of 93.83%. Ngubane said studying Medicine was always her passion. “I used to do job-shadowing at Grey’s Hospital and would see how satisfying it was to see a recovering patient, which made me want to pursue Medicine and help people get better.”

Ngubane said that, like many others, coming from a disadvantaged background and attending a public school made it challenging to access all the academic resources she needed. “I had to find resources online - I would search and download textbooks I couldn’t afford, and I followed YouTube channels offering extra classes. I also attended additional sessions at UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg campus, which helped us gain advanced knowledge, particularly in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

“I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have been selected for this scholarship. It validates my hard work and motivates me to pursue my academic and career goals with even greater dedication,” said Myende, who matriculated from Nogunjwa High School with seven distinctions.

Grateful to her family, friends, and teachers for their unwavering support, Myende said she has always been fascinated by the work of doctors and their ability to save lives. “I believe this career path will allow me to make a meaningful impact on my community and beyond,” she said.

Ngobese said she earned eight distinctions at Mnyamande High School, with an average of 93.5%. “It was a tremendous effort, and I’m proud of my achievement. This scholarship is a meaningful recognition of my hard work and dedication to academic excellence,” she said.

“My journey at UKZN has been exciting and enriching. Although I am currently studying Law, I hope to transition into Nursing, as I am clearly passionate about healthcare and want to make a positive impact in my community. I’ve had the opportunity to meet inspiring people, attend thought-provoking lectures, and develop valuable skills. Highlights include joining academic clubs and networking with like-minded peers,” she added.

Echoing her peers, Myende acknowledged the rigours of the MBChB programme. “I don’t really get time to go out and have fun because I’m always studying. At first, it was difficult to adjust to university life - so different from high school - but over time I found my rhythm. I even made friends, which made the journey a little easier. So overall, it’s been a good start.”

She said she maintains a healthy balance between her studies and personal life by listening to music, playing sport, and learning how to swim.

Sibiya said: “I felt proud and grateful to be recognised among the top African female entrants at UKZN. Receiving this award is both an honour and a deeply empowering experience, it’s not just a reward for academic excellence, but a powerful reminder that my efforts are seen and valued.”

She scored seven distinctions in matric at Sikhulangemfundo Combined School, making it to the top three in the King Cetshwayo District in 2024. 

“I chose Medicine because I’ve always wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives - combining my love for science and the human body. Medicine was the best way to turn this passion into purpose. I see myself becoming one of the top female cardiologists, serving both the public and private sectors, and possibly opening my own practice in the future.

“My parents have been my biggest motivation. Their constant support and sacrifices inspire me to work hard and make the most of every opportunity,” said Sibiya.

Shezi, a Dlangezwa High School alumnus with a deep interest in anatomy and physiology, matriculated with eight distinctions. She thanked her mother for working hard to fund her education, her close family and friends for their support, and her school principal - who ensured they had lighting during load shedding so they could continue studying. She ranked fourth in the King Cetshwayo District’s 2024 National Senior Certificate results. “Pursuing Medicine is the perfect balance for me - continuous learning, meaningful work, and the opportunity to serve,” she said.

Mngxati earned seven distinctions at Zwelibanzi High School, while Nyawose did the same at Luthuli High School - both fulfilling their dream of studying Medicine. Aspiring to specialise in gynaecology, Mngxati said one of the biggest challenges her family faced during high school was financial instability. “I was incredibly fortunate to have teachers who saw my potential and offered support and encouragement. Their kindness motivated me to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds.”

Nyawose, who enjoys watching movies in her free time, said: “UKZN has been welcoming and supportive at every step - from academic assistance to mental health support. In the future, I definitely see myself completing my studies and becoming a dedicated doctor.”

“Receiving the scholarship was unexpected and genuinely feels like a blessing from God. Seeing that my hard work is finally paying off made me so happy! The award is not just financial support, but recognition of my effort and perseverance, and it motivates me to keep going,” said Masango who is studying to become a medical doctor.

“As a child, I would confidently say ‘I am going to be a doctor’, without really knowing why. It was more of a dream than a plan. Everything changed in Grade 9, during a Natural Sciences lesson on human body systems. I remember being completely captivated. The complexity of how our bodies function from the tiniest cell to entire organ system fascinated me. That curiosity turned into purpose and I knew that Medicine was not just a childhood dream anymore but a calling, said Mngxati, UKZN’s Frene Ginwala Prestige Entrant Equity Scholarship recipient.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Andile Ndlovu