Ponego matriculants struggle with funding for registration

Kathorus MAIL spoke to a few of these learners who earned more than five distinctions.

Siyabonga Mabogwane received five distinctions in physical science (91%), mathematics (92%), life sciences (87%), life orientation (89%) and Sesotho (82%).

He said the University of Witwatersrand sent him an SMS offering him to do a course in electrical engineering.

“Actually when I applied, I wanted to study pharmacy or medicine, but I did not qualify. But they accepted me to register for electrical engineering, which was my third choice,” said Mabogwane.

He said as much as he is happy about offer, the dilemma is that he does not have money for registration.

“My parents can’t afford that amount. It is still not clear what I am going to do this year. I am not even sure how this free education works. I would like to have someone to explain that to me,” he laments.

He said he would highly appreciate it if a good Samaritan could help and pay for his registration fees. The rest of the fees he will take care of as soon as he gets to university because he will be applying for NSFAS and is going to work hard to get student funding.

Khethani Sihlangu received six distinctions in physical science (94%), mathematics (91%), life sciences (90%), English (82%), life orientation (84%) and Tsonga (84%). She got 79 per cent in geography, one percent from a distinction.

“I wanted to study medicine at the University of Pretoria, but I was not accepted based on my grade 11 results. Those who got good results in grade 11 were accepted,” said Sihlangu.

Her dream is not going to die as she is still going to study medicine at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU).

“I might be accepted there. It is not my dream institution, but I will still be following my dream career. They told me to send my results, which I did, and then told me to expect a call as they were impressed with my results,” Sihlangu explained.

She said she applied for NSFAS and they promised to respond on February 12 and HCS bursaries who’ll be responding by February 27.

As for registration fees, “my father promised to borrow some money (R4500) from his employers that I can use for registration,” she said.

Amanda Almeida received six distinctions in physical science (90%), mathematics (80%), life sciences (84%), geography (80%), life orientation (80%) and Zulu (81%).

She said she would like to study medicine at the University of Pretoria.

“I have applied, but I was accepted to study chemistry instead. I applied at SMU as well and I am still expecting a response from them,” said Almeida.

Like Mabogwane, Almeida also has a problem with funding for registration fees.

“Both my parents aren’t working, so I might not be able to go and study as I do not have money to pay for my registration,” she told Kathorus MAIL.

“If I am allowed to study medicine I will give back to my community by starting a surgery in my township (Kwanele). I will help pensioners for free and I will help students to apply for bursaries,” said Almeida.

Siyabonga’s sister, Khomotso Mabogwane (22), was with him to collect his results. The former learner from Ponego Secondary school obtained a bachelor degree pass in 2013. However, like her brother, she is also struggling to get finances to attend university. Both of their parents are unemployed.

She told Kathorus MAIL that she was accepted at the University of Johannesburg, but could not get a bursary.

“In 2014 I started an apprenticeship at Transnet School of Engineering and finished my mechanical fitter apprenticeship in September 2016. I am still looking for a job which means I can’t take care of my family and I would have loved to,” she said.

She added that if she had managed to get a job, she could’ve sent Siyabonga to university.

“If there are any companies that would be willing to give me a chance to prove my worth in the engineering world, I am more than willing,” said Khomotso.