oSizweni matriculant receives bursary
Her exceptional results were rewarded with a full bursary from the Department of Water and Sanitation to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Witwatersrand.
OSIZWENI – Sibongile Mdaki was the star 2016 matric learner at Zama High School in oSizweni. She obtained seven distinctions: isiZulu, English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Business Studies, Geography and Life Orientation.
Her exceptional results were rewarded with a full bursary from the Department of Water and Sanitation to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Witwatersrand. The bursary will cover registration and tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books and study-related travelling expenses.
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“I am so happy for this opportunity because I applied for a number of bursaries last year and none of them was successful. I was quite shocked when I got this one because I didn’t apply for it. It felt really amazing to know that my efforts didn’t go unnoticed.”
Sibongile’s mother, Nomvula Ndlozi owns a small spaza shop in oSizweni and struggles financially to raise her two children and six nieces and nephews who live with them. She is the only breadwinner in the family.
Mrs Ndlozi said she was extremely proud of Sibongile and advised her to stay focused, stay away from boys and make sure she passed well. “It’s heartbreaking that my eldest daughter must leave home, but her life must go on, so I am very happy that she got this chance.”
Trainee specialist of KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sanitation and Water Affairs, Sibongile Dube said learners who excelled in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, received bursaries. She explained when they awarded bursaries, they preferred to target rural areas where learners were struggling due to a lack of facilities available in the schools.
“When learners can excel in poor learning conditions, the high calibre of their work is evident,” said Mrs Dube.
The bursaries are part of a graduate development programme of the department for learners interested in engineering and science. The programme was founded in 2007, and has since produced nearly 800 graduates.
“Our scientists and engineers are aging, and we need new blood in the sanitation plants, so we award bursaries to deserving learners in Grade 11 and matric,” said Mrs Dube.
She said Sibongile showed a lot of promise. “We hope she doesn’t lose focus, and continues to obtain excellent results throughout her university years.”
“After Sibongile qualifies, she must work for the department for approximately four to five years, and thereafter she will be allowed to seek employment elsewhere, should she wish to do so,” concluded Mrs Dube.
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