Recipients of the Frene Ginwala Scholarship.Frene Ginwala Scholarship Awarded to 14 Medical Students
Fourteen first year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) students at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine are proud recipients of the Frene Ginwala Scholarships.
The Frene Ginwala Scholarship is a special prestige entrant equity award that supports top Black African female entrants coming into the University as new undergraduate students in all disciplines. It is named after the first Chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal and former Speaker of Parliament.
Recipients of the Frene Ginwala Scholarship are Ms Sabathile Ntombikayise Dube, Ms Nokuthula Hlongwa, Ms Philasande Hope Valentine Khoza, Ms Lethukuthula Minenhle Langa, Ms Nonhlanhla Simphiwe Mabaso, Ms Nontuthuko Thandeka Taylor Mabaso, Ms Zizipho Msebenzi, Ms Nombulelelo Mthembu, Ms Sibusile Yvette Mthuli, Ms Ncamisile Senamile Mvelase, Ms Thembelihle Sinenhlanhla Nkosi, Ms Philile Sinethemba Phakathi, Ms Xoliswa Njapha and Ms Sphephelo Buhlebethu Mngoma.
‘I feel honoured to be a recipient of this prestige award. I am excited that my hard work has been recognised,’ said 18-year-old Mngoma who aced her matric with seven distinctions.
Mvelase wants to keep up the good work and achieve even more for the future.
‘One day I would love to write a big book on all discoveries and encounters I would have gained during my medical journey,’ stated Phakathi from Cato Ridge.
Njapha has always been fascinated by the human body and has always wanted to understand why certain diseases like cancer, HIV, diabetes remain some of the greatest health challenges. She thought if she became a doctor, one day she will make a difference and bring hope in people’s lives.
‘I have worked extremely hard to get this scholarship, as I did not want parents to pay for my tuition fee since my older brothers are also still studying. My dad has always been my source of strength and I know that he is extremely excited as I am.’
The 18-year-old Langa who hails from Nquthu, in northern KwaZulu-Natal said she felt ‘extremely honoured’.
‘I am an orphan and live with my sisters, we are a family of five. I am the last born and the first to go to university. My family is not rich but we make the ends meet. This scholarship will definitely alleviate that financial burden and allow me to complete my degree,’ she said.
‘MBChB comes with a heavy workload and one needs to transition and cope under circumstances,’ explained Mthuli.
Langa has always been a hard worker and this paid off in her matric year at Ubongumenzi Secondary school where she obtained six distinctions.
Msebenzi shared that she comes from a very large family and considers herself blessed to be brought up by a loving, supportive, God-fearing family that prunes her to be a young independent and optimistic woman.
‘My short-term academic goals are to obtain my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree in 2022. I also plan to further my studies to pursue a degree in Orthopedic Surgery,’ shared Mthembu.
The 18-year old Nkosi from eMondlo in Vryheid says the transition from high school to university is not child’s play, thus she has dedicated all of her time to studies.
‘I aspire to graduate in due time and be good at what I do but most importantly not limit myself to what I’m studying but provide help wherever possible,’ expressed Khoza.