Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships Spotlight Rising Stars

Three outstanding undergraduate students in the College of Humanities have been awarded the prestigious College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships in recognition of their sustained academic excellence.

The scholarships are awarded annually to the three top-ranked undergraduates progressing from second year to subsequent years of study, based on academic performance over two or more years. This year’s recipients – Ms Regopotswe Kwakwa, Mr Nduduzo Mkhwanazi and Ms Abigayle Pillay – have followed distinctive paths to academic success, shaped by perseverance, self-belief and determination.

For Kwakwa, a third-year Psychology student at the Pietermaritzburg campus, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) represented ‘a chance to rebuild’.

After a difficult high school experience, she arrived at university in 2024 determined to make a fresh start. Although she had no funding, she had the support of her parents and decided to “bet on myself”. She began studying in the library during her first week.

Her hard work quickly paid off. She earned an unexpected distinction in isiZulu, a language she had not previously studied and continued studying long hours and attending consultations with lecturers and tutors. Her performance subsequently earned her partial university scholarships towards her fees.

For Kwakwa, the scholarship means more than financial relief. “It is hard to study while worrying about how you will pay your tuition,” she said, adding that the award has shown her she is more capable than she thought.

A moment during a Psychology class further affirmed that she had chosen the right path when a concept helped her understand someone close to her in a new way.

“It made me feel that I wanted not just to observe and make the connection but to intervene and help as well,” she said.

Kwakwa hopes to complete honours and master’s degrees in Psychology and become a peer support group leader, creating a safe environment where students can connect and realise they are not alone. “UKZN gave me a chance to rebuild. High school was hard, and I thought I would never recover. But UKZN encouraged me to stand up, and I haven’t taken a seat since,” she said.

Mkhwanazi’s journey to becoming a teacher began long before university. After matriculating in 2015, financial constraints prevented him from immediately enrolling. He spent seven years working in construction, retail, security and clerical positions before becoming an educator assistant.

Teaching Mathematics revealed his ability to explain concepts effectively and inspired him to pursue a career in teaching.

Now a fourth-year Education student at Edgewood campus, Mkhwanazi has excelled academically while embracing leadership and mentoring opportunities. He is President of the Golden Key International Honour Society, an Academic Mentor and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) project contributor.

“When I learn something, I learn to understand, not just to respond or remember,” he said.

For Mkhwanazi, the scholarship represents ‘hope and healing’, easing his family’s financial burden while recognising the sacrifices he made before entering university. He plans to pursue postgraduate studies and eventually become a lecturer, with the goal of improving teaching quality, particularly in STEM fields.

Pillay, a third-year Psychology student at the Pietermaritzburg campus, was drawn to the discipline by her fascination with the human mind.

Once she discovered Psychology, she became interested in understanding something she describes as “unpredictable and difficult to reach”. The possibility of helping others better understand themselves strengthened her interest.

Her academic journey has been one of growth and self-development. Adjusting to university required her to rethink her study habits and develop greater consistency.

“First year quickly showed me that I was being delusional thinking it would work here,” she said, reflecting on the need to leave behind her high school study habits and adopt a more consistent approach.

Through many small starts, Pillay developed healthier study habits and learned to dedicate herself more fully to assignments and preparation. The scholarship now serves as recognition of the hard work and commitment she has demonstrated in her studies.

“It reminds me to look at what it has taken me to get here and recognise that I have made the right decision for myself in being here,” she said.

Pillay hopes to complete honours and master’s degrees and become a qualified psychologist. While she has not yet decided on a specialisation, she is particularly interested in working with teenagers and helping young people navigate difficult periods in their lives.

Words: Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini