Rewarding academic excellence

On Wednesday, 22 August 2018, the University of KwaZulu-Natal rewarded academic excellence through the awarding of scholarships, to the tune of over R6 million, during its Scholarships Award Ceremony 2018.

Held at the Westville Campus, the special occasion recognised recipients of prestigious scholarships, who totalled 130 students. The students who were honoured are recognised as the university's top performing undergraduate and post-graduate students who have met the prerequisite criteria for the respective scholarships.

In total, UKZN made available R40 million to fund scholarships for academically sound students at the institution in 2018.

Delivering his keynote address, Keketso Motsoene at Absa, urged students to always rise above mediocrity, questioning why many people find themselves in a state of mediocrity when countless solutions to society's problems remain unexplored. "Nothing empowers youth more than a scholarship. A scholarship unlocks and expands the knowledge base and has a direct impact on the growth of our economy. I therefore plead with you, whoever you are, to stand up, be counted and not let any insecurities stop you from continuing on your journey of excellence," he said.

Rev Dr Vukile Mehana, UKZN Chair of Council, said in conferring the scholarships, UKZN was enabling academically excellent students to access quality education, thereby contributing significantly to the South African success story. "Above all, these scholarships continue to give hope, opportunity and the continual encouragement to work hard," he said. "Make the best of it. I wish you every success," he said to the recipients.

Said Professor Busisiwe Ncama, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: College of Health Sciences: "These awards are conferred to the most talented, caring and exceptional graduates and young leaders who have been judged as being most exemplary in embodying the ideals and attributes that UKZN seeks to create in every graduate. As much as they have worked hard, I can also hope the scholarship recipients also realise how fortunate they are to be receiving these awards, which will enable them to further their educational and sporting goals while so many of their peers remain outside looking in, their dreams shattered in an instant. I have little doubt that the recipients will all excel in their future endeavours. I know you will go out there and fly the UKZN flag," she said.