Bedfordview learner among South Africa’s new Nsouli scholarship recipients

Two young South Africans have been named as the country’s newest Nsouli Scholars following a record year for the global scholarship programme, which has seen applications from Sub-Saharan Africa increase by 574% since its launch. Lethabo Bosoga has been accepted at Reddford House Blue Hills and Mihle Radebe at Reddam House Waterfall.

They are among 12 young people globally awarded fully funded Nsouli Scholarships for the 2026/27 cohort and will join their respective South African schools in 2027.

Inspired Education received 1 428 applications from 95 nationalities this year, up 353% since the programme launched in 2024. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the strongest growth, with applications rising from 128 in the inaugural year to 863 this year – 60% of all applications globally.

ALSO READ: Saheti learners scoop prestigious scholarships

The Nsouli Scholars Programme, founded by Nadim M. Nsouli, founder, chairman and CEO of Inspired Education, provides fully funded places to exceptional young people who demonstrate financial need alongside outstanding academic ability, leadership potential or excellence in sport or the arts.

ALSO READ: Scholarship aims to remove barriers for brilliant learners

Commenting on the growth of the programme, Nsouli said, “We have seen increasing numbers of applications from Africa and the Middle East, where ambitious young people are seeking opportunities to fulfil their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities. The remarkable growth in applications reflects the aspirations of young people and families who recognise the transformative power of education.”

Ravi Nadasen, CEO of Inspired Africa, says selecting Lethabo and Mihle brings that global story home.

“Talent is everywhere; opportunity is not always. The extraordinary growth in applications from Sub-Saharan Africa is a powerful reminder of the ambition and potential of young people across our region, and what can happen when that potential meets genuine opportunity. I am immensely proud to welcome Lethabo and Mihle as Nsouli Scholars. This is a remarkable achievement, and I hope they embrace everything the experience offers, make it their own and, in time, inspire other young people to believe in what is possible for them too.”

Returning Nsouli Scholar Mackenzie Mackay of Reddam House Bedfordview shared a longer-term view of what the opportunity can make possible.

Mackenzie combined her academics with competitive acrobatic gymnastics and recently represented South Africa at the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique World Youth Competition for Acrobatic Gymnastics with her trio.

ALSO READ: Countrywide talent competes for generous Arts scholarship

“Being an Nsouli Scholar allows me to focus on gymnastics at the same time as schoolwork, which has helped me to perform better in both aspects,” said Mackenzie, who has also seen her academic performance improve. “My marks have improved, along with my determination to study and work hard.”

Mackenzie said she has also become increasingly aware of her capacity to lead, with every group project teaching her skills she believes she will need as a leader at school and later in her working life.

For young people considering following in their footsteps, the scholars’ message is to take the chance. Mackenzie advised, “If you are thinking about applying, I would say go for it, even if you feel nervous. Be yourself in the interview and speak about the things you love doing. You have already worked hard to get this far, so be proud of yourself and give it your best.”
For Lethabo Bosoga and Mihle Radebe, that journey begins in 2027.