The positive impact of the Trust’s assistance to 21 UKZN students in need this year has been underlined in messsages of gratitude for the help received owing to the generosity of donors and supporters.
Thuthukani Sibiya, studying for a Bachelor of Science (Honours) 
degree in Geology, told Trustees: “This bursary has played a major role in reducing the amount I owed to the University and has allowed me to focus on completing my Honours degree successfully.”
He declared: “Coming from a rural background, with no breadwinner [in his household], this support has made a meaningful difference in my academic journey and my life.”
Thuthukani’s studies have focused on environmental engineering geology. He said he planned to work in the field in 2026 “to gain practical experience and support my family”.
He added: “I have a dream of one day building a school in my rural community. Where I come from, education often seems impossible and many young people see it only as a way to survive rather than to grow. Opportunities like this bursary have shown me that education opens doors to endless possibilities.”
Among other heartfelt messages received from students, Siyabulela Majola, who is studying for a Bachelor of Administration degree, welcomed the award of a Trust allowance as he had been facing uncertainty about how he would pay off his tuition fees.
He said: “Your support has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I am sincerely thankful for this opportunity and for the generosity of everyone involved in making it possible.” He added this “means more than words can fully express”.
Siya said he wanted to contribute to positive change in South Africa, “whether through shaping marketing that reflects diverse voices or by applying my knowledge of public policy to strengthen communities”.
Asiphile Malishe, studying for a Bachelor of Science degree focused on maths and statistics, is another of the students who highlighted their financial plight. She said: “My plan was to finish this degree and start another one but finance problems don’t allow me to do that: my parents can hardly pay for my fees.”
Asiphile said she had hoped to move on to pursue an Honours in Data Science, about which she had developed a passion. She felt working in this field would not only match her aspirations but also make life easier for her parents.
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