Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship Inspires Future Impact

Five outstanding University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) undergraduate students – Ms Yenziwe Dlamini, Mr Andrew Elkington, Mr Siphosethu Sibila, Ms Bella-Rey Naidoo and Ms Payal Bhagwandeen – received the Professor Malegapuru W Makgoba Scholarship named in honour of Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, UKZN’s first Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

The scholarship is awarded to the top five undergraduate students progressing from first to second year in each of the University’s four Colleges.

This award marks an important milestone in the students’ journey shaped by perseverance, passion, curiosity and a commitment to excellence.

For Dlamini, the scholarship is a welcome relief. “This scholarship means everything to me and my family. It’s a financial relief. Having that much debt being lifted off our shoulders is a welcome liberation. Personally, it means that all the hard work that I put in has paid off. That all the effort that I put in, striving to perform to the best of my ability, hasn’t been a complete waste,” she said.

Elkington says the scholarship is an important part of his academic journey, as has been the support he received from his lecturers. He says UKZN has supported his academic growth through this scholarship, which will help him further his studies. “Most of my lecturers also supported this growth.” Adding that his lectures encouraged engagement and curiosity and always answered questions and were open to consultation. “UKZN cares about the success of its students, which goes a long way in incentivising hard work and cultivating an interest in the subject.”

Sibila’s view of education as a tool for transformation led him to pursue the field after witnessing first-hand the influence a committed educator can have on a community.

“My decision to pursue Education stems from my passion for helping others and a desire to make a positive difference in society. Growing up in Jozini, I witnessed the transformative impact that a dedicated educator can have in a community.” This experience inspired Sibila to pursue a career focused on empowering young people through education.

Naidoo’s passion for Psychology was sparked by a lecture that explored research into the relationship between the mind and body. The experience confirmed that Psychology was the right academic path for her and would provide a foundation for the meaningful work she hopes to pursue.

“During one of my psychology lectures, my lecturer was explaining research she had conducted on the link between chronic disease and cognitive impairment,” she recalled.

Bhagwandeen’s passion for creativity began early. She shared that, at the age of 12, she dressed as an art director for career day at primary school. Two years later, she won the ‘Best Creative Art Student Award’. Although she excelled academically and studied Mathematics, Accounting and Science, her passion remained the arts.

“Despite excelling academically, my true passion was exploring my artistic side, fuelled by a deep desire to nurture my creativity.”

Her mother, whom she describes as a talented seamstress and baker, influenced many of her childhood creative pursuits. Now 19, Bhagwandeen remains passionate about the arts. “My passion for the arts persists, and I still envision a future pursuing the same dream career I aspired to at 12.”

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini