MBChB Students Awarded Pius Langa Prestige Entrant Scholarships

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Several high-achieving students are pursuing Medical degrees at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine after being awarded Pius Langa Prestige Entrant Scholarships.

These scholarships are granted to top-performing new undergraduate entrants and are named in honour of the late Chief Justice of South Africa, former Chancellor of the University of Natal, and the first Ombud of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Mr Abdullah Abisola, Mr Aqil Heeralall, Mr Muhammad Ismaeel Moosa, Ms Hayley Packaree, Ms Kamalika Govender, Ms Sereen Siddiqi and Ms Atiyyah Limalia achieved outstanding matric results, ranking in the top 10 in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Education Department’s National Senior Certificate examinations or among the top nationally in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) examinations, mostly written by learners competing Grade 12 in private schools.

“It’s a surreal and humbling experience. It feels like all the hard work and long nights have truly paid off,” said Packaree, who obtained nine distinctions at Star College. “It’s a blessing that I am extremely grateful for…Prayer kept me centred, and my family’s unwavering support gave me the strength to keep going.”

Packaree said it was through prayer and deep reflection that she found her calling to Medicine - “a field where I can serve, heal, and impact lives meaningfully.” She hopes to specialise one day but, above all, wants to serve communities most in need. “I enjoy watching movies and spending time with my family. Having deep conversations and laughing together helps me stay balanced and grounded.”

Limalia achieved a matric average of 93.47% at Orient Islamic Secondary School. Moosa, who obtained seven distinctions at Al-Falaah College, said: “It’s truly an honour and a humbling experience to receive the University’s Prestige Entrant Scholarship. It recognises the hard work and perseverance that went into my academic journey and gives me renewed purpose and motivation to strive for excellence in my university career.”

Moosa was the top achiever in Physical Sciences at his high school and Life Sciences in his district. He also received special recognition in several Olympiads, including the National Science Olympiad. Thanking his parents and teachers for encouraging him to push beyond limits, Moosa said he has always been fascinated by how the human body works and how knowledge can solve real-world problems. “Medicine allows me to explore that curiosity while contributing meaningfully to society.”

Like his peers, Moosa said, “My university journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Adjusting to the pace and depth of university studies was initially daunting, but it’s also been intellectually stimulating. A highlight has been engaging in group projects that allowed for creative collaboration and real-world application of theory.”

Siddiqi, who matriculated with seven distinctions at Crawford College La Lucia, said: “Being awarded this scholarship feels truly surreal. I’m deeply honoured and incredibly grateful for this opportunity. More than anything, I feel thankful - to UKZN for recognising my efforts with such a prestigious award, to my parents who have always been my backbone, and to my entire family and siblings whose constant support helped me reach this point. This achievement isn’t mine alone - it belongs to everyone who stood by me.”

Siddiqi said he chose to study Medicine because he has always believed the best way to live is by serving others.

“As a Muslim, I see this as part of my duty - to be of benefit to those around me and to contribute to the greater good. Becoming a doctor means being there for people in their most difficult moments; offering not just medical care, but compassion, comfort, and support. Even small acts of help can hold great value, and I believe that through this profession, I can make a difference that is both practical and deeply rewarding, in this world and, God willing, in the Hereafter.”

The scholarship recipients said their journey as MBChB students has been both challenging and rewarding. “Adjusting from high school to university was a big shift - everything from the environment to the workload was different.” They agreed, however, that it has also been “incredibly exciting to learn new things, especially in the field of Medicine”.

They enjoy a variety of hobbies that help them stay calm and balanced outside of their academic commitments. Although still early in their medical journey, they are determined to maintain exceptional grades and strive to become the best doctors they can be - making themselves and their families proud.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Andile Ndlovu