Two students pay it forward
Hlamulo Makamu and Rudzani Ramavhulela help learners apply to university by providing their registration fees
LIMPOPO – “Were it not for my former high school teacher who paid for my application to the University of Venda (Univen), I would not be where I am today.
Now I am motivated to lend a helping hand to others in need because I know the pain of not having the resources to pursue my dreams,” says Hlamulo Makamu, first year student at the University of Venda.
Hlamulo and one of his friends, third year student at the Vaal University of Technology, Rudzani Ramavhulela are assisting Gr. 12 learners who cannot afford the application fee to Univen. “I experienced the same thing and because a good Samaritan helped me, I felt compelled to help others,” Hlamulo explains.
The two students, along with Univen School Liaison Officer, Takalani Nyelisani, visited Mphalaleni Secondary School and Lungane Secondary School in Vhembe in order to identify six learners from each school who are struggling to raise the money for their application fees.
“There is no reason not to further your studies. Be realistic, work with what you have and do not undermine institutions such as Univen,” said Takalani Nyelisani, during the visit to Mphalaleni Secondary School. “There are many doctors, scientists and lawyers who studied at Univen,” he told the learners. The two students will each contribute R600 each to their initiative which will cover the registration fee of R100 for the 12 selected learners.
“It is better to share our money with these deserving learners than to spend it on non-essential items such as alcohol,” explains Rudzani. “It is important for these learners to have the necessary funds and to apply in time”.
A Gr. 12 learner at Lungane Secondary School says it is important to make full use of the opportunities they are granted.
