Work mode for bursary beneficiaries

A R1.8 million boost in student funding has brought relief to financially strained students, allowing them to focus on their studies rather than worrying about whether they will be able to return to the University of Cape Town (UCT)next year.

Over 30 students are beneficiaries of a key relationship between the Department of Student Affairs’ (DSA) Student Financial Aid, Eskom Rotek Industries (ERI) and KEPCO KPS. The initiative is also supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. On 16 September, university leadership and stakeholders gathered with students to celebrate under the theme, “Investing in Education, Empowering Future Leaders”.

S’phesihle Ndlovu, a second-year Bachelor of Business Science student, said the stress of wondering where the next pot of funding will come from has been taken care of. “Higher education brings a lot of opportunities, but with it, a lot of financial pressure. Being part of the recipients has lifted a lot of weight and financial pressure from not only our shoulders, but our families too. Before receiving the funding, I was operating on fumes because I was thinking about when I was going to apply for another bursary; how am I going to register next year; will I be able to continue with my studies; will I be able to fulfil my goals? This bursary has been a life changing opportunity and moment in my life. The relief from financial pressure has helped me refocus on my goals.”

First-year construction student Ntazi Mahlangu called the bursaries a “belief, commitment and investment”. Mahlangu said: “We thank the stakeholders for this investment in students. Thank you for believing in us, supporting our dreams and giving us the opportunity to focus on our studies and our future. Your support motivates us to work harder. We may not be able to fully express how much your support means to us, but we hope our achievements will serve as a reflection of the impact that you have made in our lives and our future. May your generosity continue to open doors, create opportunities and change lives.”

“I can’t wait to see you all on the graduation stage in the not-too-distant future.”

Ndlovu added: “You have provided us with much more than financial freedom, but also confidence as we pursue our goals. Knowing that a generous community believed in our potential as students also gives us renewed energy and greater strength. It gives us momentum. Thank you for investing in not only our future, but that of the country because of the impact that we will have when we graduate. I hope that one day, as we progress in our careers, we will be able to pay this kindness forward.”

Humanness, joy and inspiration

Fellow recipient Xolisile Malewa used an idiom to express her gratitude: Kwande apho nithathe khona (may your generosity multiply and be rewarded). ERI representative, Cynthia Ndaba, said the only return on investment for them is that students put their best foot forward – always. She then offered a Bible verse – Matthew 7:17: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Meanwhile, KEPCO KPS SA chief executive officer, Jungnam Lee, said as an organisation that works with Eskom, the company’s responsibility should not stop at a power station gate. “We’ve always wondered what else we can do for the communities and people of South Africa – education and supporting young people is important to us. This is an investment in people. As a company, we talk a lot about energy, but the most important energy in this room is not electricity – it is the energy and potential of the students here today. To the students, please make the most of this opportunity.”

Senior manager at student financial aid and the day’s programme director, Zahir Baker, said: “There’s a deep-seated humanness, joy and inspiration that keeps telling us we have to do better and we’ve got to go again because there are more students who need assistance.”

The deputy vice-chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Brandon Collier-Reed, concluded his vote of thanks on an encouraging note to the students: “I can’t wait to see you all on the graduation stage in the not-too-distant future.”