MBChB Student Scoops Malegapuru William Makgoba Scholarship

BY: .

‘Words cannot describe the feeling of receiving this scholarship,’ said MBChB student, Mr Moosa Mohammed Jameel Ismael after receiving the Malegapuru William Makgoba Scholarship. 

The Scholarship is awarded to the five top-ranked undergraduates proceeding from first-year to second-year of study in each of the four Colleges. The recipients are therefore the top students among several thousand colleagues in each College of the University.  

‘Receiving this scholarship and being recognised for my accomplishments demonstrates to me that someone believes in my education and feels that it is important to be a lifelong learner. It is also an indication that the scholarship, for me, is not the end but just the beginning,’ he said. 

Ismail said he was honoured to have received the scholarship this year because it provided him with the means to continue his education and has also motivated him to ensure that his studies are successful. 

‘My family was one of the contributing factors that led to me achieving this award. Without their continuous guidance and extrinsic motivation, I would not be where I am today,’ he said. 

His family is very pleased and proud of his achievement; ‘More importantly, they are thankful for this scholarship for it eases our financial situation.’ 

 He said the award had brought him closer to his dream of becoming a successful doctor; ‘My long-term goals involve working in a health care sector where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much value as I can.’ 

He advised his fellow students to work hard and be determined to succeed. ‘As Walt Disney once said: “If you can dream it, then you can achieve it”. As a student you need to be able to have balance in your life and always plan ahead so that there is time for aspects other than studying.’ 

Ismail thanked the scholarship funders saying: ‘With this scholarship I have the funds to accomplish so much in my University career, and for that I am absolutely grateful. I greatly appreciate that you have chosen me to receive this scholarship and thank you UKZN for this achievement.’ 

Ismail described himself as an optimistic individual always looking to inspire and help others.  His hobbies include bodybuilding, watching YouTube videos as well as being able to socialise and meet other people.

Nombuso Dlamini