Foundation hands out bursaries

The event, held at Duduza Multi Purpose Centre, was blessed by the presence of teachers and Grade 12 learners from different schools in and around Duduza.

On the day not only the bursary recipients rejoiced but also the learners from the disadvantaged families who received full school uniforms from the foundation.

Before handing over the bursaries and school uniforms, Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Ntombi Mekgwe motivated the students to focus on their education and forget about the things that will destroy their future.

She said the important thing that she wants the young stars, especially those from Duduza, to always remember is that success comes after adopting a positive attitude, regardless of the situation.

Mekgwe clearly explained that the bursary recipients will not pay back the bursary in cash but will pay it back in a form of giving back to the community.

“The foundation is here to help develop our community and to help those who need our help,” said Mekgwe. Adding that after the recipients have completed their studies and start their practises, the foundation expects them to contribute towards making better and equal communities.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Gift Xolani Shabangu who studies Bcom Marketing Management at the University of Johannesburg through the Ntombi Mekgwe Foundation, confirmed that the difficult situations that one faces at home do not determine the future.

Gift believes that hard work and prayer are the ingredients of success. He also encouraged the current Grade 12 learners to spend most of their time reading their books and not to join friends who will not add value to their lives. “Be friends with those with whom you share the same vision of changing the world to be a better place,” Gift advised learners.