Jetting Off to Study Abroad!

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The Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship was awarded to two College of Humanities students Ms Tatum Thomas and Ms Abongile Mpu who will soon jet off to study in England. 

The Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship, funded by the C G Smith family, provides top-performing female postgraduate students living in eThekwini with the opportunity to study overseas. 

This September, Master’s student Thomas will begin a new chapter at the University of York, where she will study Medieval Literature and Languages. 

“This scholarship is a rare opportunity that will change the trajectory of my life,” Thomas said, “and will help to fulfil my dream to further my studies and travel abroad.” Fully aware of the prestige of the scholarship, Thomas is determined to make the most of the opportunity. “This is a springboard lifting me into independence, new horizons and allowing me to become the woman I want to be. It signals that I am seen, and that the long, quiet work was never in vain and most importantly this gives me the space to pursue excellence without financial strain which is a blessing.” 

Thomas obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music, graduating summa cum laude in 2021. She has proven academic prowess. “UKZN has shaped me intellectually and spiritually. It’s where I found the courage to write with conviction and to dream bigger than the borders of my birth country,” she reflected. 

UKZN has been her intellectual home with her academic journey punctuated by both achievement and adversity, each shaping the kind of scholar she is becoming. Alongside music, she also nurtured parallel interests in literature and education, which led her to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, specialising in Music and English, in 2022. 

In 2023, she began her BA Honours in English Studies where her thesis explored ecospirituality in Elif Shafak’s The Island of Missing Trees, using the critical frameworks of Ecocriticism and Metamodernism. Thomas says this was a pivotal shift for her academically as it solidified her passion for environmental humanities, an area she finds intellectually rich and ever-expanding.

Outside the classroom, Thomas founded the UKZN Literature Lovers’ Society, a book club affiliated with the UKZN English Studies Department. It aims to build a community around literature and expand access to reading. The group also participates in book drive initiatives, as Thomas believes one of the most meaningful aspects of literary engagement is using it to ignite a love of reading and writing in the youth. 

“Winning the Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship is a career-defining moment, not just for what it enables, but for what it represents, which is the belief in and support of women in academia. I now look forward to beginning my Masters in Medieval Literature and Languages at the University of York in England, where I will continue exploring literature through an ecocritical and metamodern lens.” 

After her master’s degree, Thomas intends to pursue a PhD and become a lecturer in the Eco-Medieval field. She explains, “I aim to produce research that explores the intersections of medieval literature, ecology and spiritual thought, with a focus on how ancient texts can speak into contemporary environmental concerns.” 

With a career in academia on the horizon, Thomas also hopes to contribute to educational reform at tertiary level. A firm believer in “paying it forward”, she aspires to give back by bringing progressive pedagogical practices and specialised knowledge of the English language to educators in South Africa.

Another goal of hers is to mentor future UKZN students, especially those navigating uncertainty around postgraduate study and scholarship applications. “My experience has taught me the value of having someone who believes in you and understands the process.” She also envisions returning as a guest speaker or academic collaborator, bridging international research opportunities with students from UKZN. 

Paying tribute to her wonderful support system, Thomas said she is grateful to God, her parents, sisters, partner and friends for their never-ending support of her goals. She also acknowledged her alma mater saying, “Thank you to the UKZN Humanities staff, my mentors, and the scholarship committee for their belief in my journey.” Finally, she expressed her gratitude to her Christian community, “I am eternally grateful to you all for praying for me, encouraging me and reminding me that my God-given path was always meant to be fulfilled.” 

Thomas is set to take on the challenge of her master’s qualification in another country armed with faith, perseverance and a willingness to adapt. “Throughout this process, I continuously refined my goals and embraced both failure and constructive feedback as opportunities for growth, allowing these experiences to strengthen rather than diminish my resilience and character,” said Thomas. 

Mpu is currently pursuing her postgraduate honours degree in Theology and Development. “A rollercoaster ride”, is how she describes her academic journey thus far, filled with challenges and moments of growth. However, committing herself fully to every task and responsibility with a great level of dedication has enabled her to perform well in her studies and be the recipient of multiple merit awards and Dean’s commendation certificates throughout her years of study. 

Her time at UKZN has not been without struggle. “Balancing work, business, and academics was very stressful for me; however, I am grateful for the counselling services and assistance provided by the University which equipped me with the tools I needed to cope with the stress and succeed.” 

Mpu will do her master’s degree at the University of Manchester in England. “I leave next year and begin my studies in September 2026 with much anticipation, knowing that my time at UKZN has prepared me well.” 

Mpu says her academic passion lies at the intersection of faith and environmental justice. “I aspire to establish myself as an ecotheologian within the academic field. I am especially passionate about climate action and aim to contribute to the academic field by writing and publishing articles focused on Christian environmental activism.”

Mpu hopes to use theology as a lens to inspire environmental consciousness and action within faith communities. “I look forward to my studies at the University of Manchester where I will major in Religion and Climate Change,” she said. 

She hopes to return to UKZN as a lecturer to contribute to both academic scholarship and practical engagement in theology and climate justice. 

“This scholarship does not only mean that I have all the financial support I need to pursue my dream of studying abroad without limitation, but it is an affirmation that I can accomplish all things through Christ, who empowers me. This achievement is a manifestation of grace. It is truly remarkable to think that a girl from a humble background like mine has been allowed to chase her aspirations at this level,” said Mpu.

She thanked her mother and grandmother for their unwavering belief in her potential, even when she struggled to see it within herself. “They enabled me to dream big, it is through their prayers that I became the first in my family to graduate and with a cum laude pass!”

Reflecting on her time at UKZN she says one of her most cherished experiences has been her involvement with the UKZN Climate Justice Network. “This platform has allowed me to grow and serve as a climate justice activist, opening doors for me, even on an international scale, and seamlessly aligning with my passion for ecotheology.” 

Words: Jennene Naidu

Photographs: Andile Ndlovu and supplied