Frene Ginwala Scholarship Recipients Destined for Academic Success

BY: .

Five students in the College of Law and Management Studies who were each awarded the Frene Ginwala Scholarships are now very aware that student excellence is rewarded. 

They are Ms Nobuhle Zulu, Ms Thulisile Nomsuthu, Ms Phumelele Mthembu, Ms Ziphezinhle Kubheka and Hlubikazi Mehlwana. 

The Scholarship is awarded to the top 10 African women entrants who register at UKZN. They each receive R18 000 to help them along at the beginning of their academic path. 

A passion for numbers and helping to address the shortage of Black women in the field of commerce is what motivated Mehlwana, Nomsuthu, Kubheka and Zulu to pursue a qualification in finance. Being awarded the scholarship was a huge bonus for them. 

‘This Scholarship means a whole lot to me,’ said Mehlwana. ‘Now I don't have to worry about the financial burden of university studies - at least for this year. It also gives me hope that my academic goals are attainable and all I need to do now is unleash my full potential and strive for greatness.’  

Nomsuthu, meanwhile, views the Scholarship as a tribute to her mother and grandmother who helped raise her but sadly neither lived long enough to see the full fruits of their labour. 

‘My road leading up to university was filled with obstacles to the extent that being able to attend lectures was an achievement in itself.  

‘My mother passed away in 2009 and my grandmother the following year when I was in Grade 8. Nonetheless, I persevered and worked hard towards my vision that I never lost sight of - to become a top business woman and CA,’ said Nomsuthu. 

Kubheka knows the road to her ultimate dream of becoming a forensic auditor will be challenging but getting rewarded at the start was great motivation. ‘The Scholarship has relieved the financial burden of study at university. As a person who believes that there is no definite knowledge but indefinite knowledge, I understand that I might face a lot of challenges in university and life in general. I will always overcome those challenges and keep the fires of knowledge burning in my heart,’ she said. 

Growing up in the rural area of Greytown where opportunities for personal and academic advancement are few, is what motivated Zulu to excel and create her own possibilities. 

‘Getting the scholarship means a lot to me since I used to believe that there was little good available for rural and disadvantaged students like me,’ said Zulu.

‘The shortage of African women in Charted Accountancy is my inspiration. I dream of being the most successful and well known CA in the world who is passionate about what she does.  I would also like to have a project or a campaign that encourages young women to pursue their dreams, especially in rural areas similar to the one I grew up in.’

Thandiwe Jumo