Eighteen-year-old Masego Mhlongo from Kibler Park has won the 2025 The Glen Shopping Centre bursary.

Masego, who matriculated last year from St Matthews Private Secondary School in Soweto, will use the financial support to study at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits), where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences (BAccSc).

Masego describes herself as a perfectionist, always striving for excellence in everything she does. Her empathy for understanding others shaped her into a well-rounded individual. However, her drive to succeed and financial difficulties at home made her apply for the bursary.

A risk for a bright future

Living with her mom and younger brother, Masego knew her family could not afford to pay for her university education.

“Applying for the bursary was me taking a risk for a successful future. I knew my mother could not afford the tuition, so I had to secure the bursary myself to pursue my studies,” she explained.

Masego did not want to add any financial pressure on her mother, especially considering her younger brother’s school fees.

“I worked hard in school to get good grades, knowing a bursary would help me study without depending on my mother,” she added.

When Masego’s mother saw an advert for the bursary at The Glen Shopping Centre, she encouraged her daughter to apply, so Masego submitted her details, a motivational letter and her matric results.

Masego was overcome with emotion the day she learnt she had won, “I knew how much it meant to me and my family. It’s a life-changing opportunity,” she said through tears.

Masego is excited about the chance to study and explore her abilities, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to discover what I can achieve,” she said.

She hopes to expand her skills and develop a deeper understanding of the finance world.

A passion for numbers

Masego, studying at Wits, chose the accounting sciences because she loves numbers and problem-solving.

“I enjoy dealing with transactions and understanding why they happen. I love finding solutions to financial challenges,” she said.

As she continues her studies, Masego is eager to challenge her thinking and further develop her problem-solving abilities.

“This bursary not only gives me the chance to study but allows me to meet new people and get a fresh perspective on life,” she shared.

Support beyond financial aid

According to Jess Denner, The Glen’s marketing manager, Masego’s commitment to her studies, especially her seven distinctions in her matric exams, made her stand out to the judges.

“Masego’s dedication and self-motivation were evident in her results,” Denner explained.

The Glen has not only provided financial support for Masego’s degree; it has offered opportunities to gain experience in retail management.

“We will provide Masego with work opportunities during semester breaks, giving her a chance to explore the financial side of managing a shopping centre,” Denner added.

The bursary programme is part of the mall’s broader mission to support the local community.

“Masego is our third bursary student, and we are proud of how far our previous winners, Njabulo Menye (2023 winner) and Orefile Murwa (2024 winner), have come,” said Denner.

“We feel like proud parents watching these students grow and succeed.”

The Glen’s goal is to make tertiary education accessible for young people who might otherwise see it as impossible.

“It’s incredible to see the difference we can make in these students’ lives,” said Glen Maboe, the general manager of The Glen Shopping Centre.

“We are excited to support them on their journey and celebrate their hard-earned success.”

Looking to the future

The Glen Shopping Centre is looking forward to the next bursary programme, which launches in October 2025 for 2026 applicants.

“The excitement and hope this bursary initiative brings are truly remarkable. We can’t wait to help more young people reach their goals,” said Maboe.

For now, Masego is making the most of her opportunity and has big dreams for the future. Thanks to the bursary, her path to success is now wide open.