Talent Equity and Excellence recipients Mr Andile Faya, Mr Simphiwe Mabaso and Ms Hlengiwe Buthelezi.Scholarship Paves Path to Academia for CHS Students
Three students from the College of Health Sciences are relishing the prospect of careers in academia after they were awarded the Talent Equity and Excellence Scholarship.
The prestigious scholarship is funded by the University to enable it to grow the next generation of academics by identifying potential talent in the final years of undergraduate study and at postgraduate levels. It forms part of Human Resource’s Graduate Development Programme.
The three recipients are Mr Andile Faya, a Health Sciences PhD candidate and two Master of Nursing students, Mr Simphiwe Mabaso and Ms Hlengiwe Buthelezi.
For Mabaso the scholarship is a “Master key” to unlock his dream of joining the world of academia, ‘After completion of my Master’s degree I want to work as a lecturer at the University and register for a PhD in Nursing,’ he said.
The 24-year-old Mabaso hopes to make a difference in the health system through research in order to assist his community.
He hails from the Baldaskraal area in Ladysmith and is last born in a family of six children. His father is a pensioner while his mother is a cook at a local crèche.
Buthelezi echoed similar sentiments saying the scholarship helped her realise her dream of attaining education. ‘When I was young I wanted to be an educated person but I thought I will be limited by my family background. I am very excited to be one of the recipients of the TEEAP scholarship. My parents are very jubilant and proud of me,’ said an excited Buthelezi.
Her future plans include obtaining a PhD and occupying a high position at UKZN. She also plans to continue with her studies at one of the top international universities and to publish books.
She advised those who share the same aspirations as here to aim for the stars. ‘Never allow your background to limit. Always excel in whatever you do and keep on believing in yourself and your dreams.’
Buthelezi thanked the funders of the scholarship for opening opportunities to Black students and believing in them. Faya was equally excited saying the scholarship offers him an opportunity to continue studying towards his PhD, ‘This tells me that the University and the College of Health Sciences has recognised my hard work and dedication towards my specific field of research.
Faya said his family is excited at the prospects of him becoming a lecturer and being able to secure an academic post before he could finish his PhD. His future plans include working towards starting a research group that will focus on combining the different disciplines he had the privilege of being exposed to.
He thanked the funders of the scholarship for investing in the future of the country and for believing that something good will come out of this initiative.
‘This will continue to inspire students to think more about choosing a career in academia. I am passionate about human development and developing relevant knowledge that will improve the human condition,’ Faya said.