“I want to be the change.” These are words of a bursary recipient from humble beginnings who could not hide her excitement of her dream to bring change in her community.

Promise Khanyisile Mashabane (20) from Daantjie, Pienaar, is the new Silulumanzi bursary recipient. Mashabane is pursuing studies in civil engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). She said where she comes from they face difficulties daily.

“It hurts me to see young people waking up every day just to go and sit at a car wash. I want to be the change they need. If they see me doing better they will be able to see that it is possible for them too.”

Mashabane was raised by her single mother, Rose Khoza, and she has four siblings. Her mother worked as hawker, selling vegetables to make sure that she made ends meet. According to Mashabane, her mother did her utmost best to make sure that she can stay in school, just like other children in her neighbourhood.

ALSO READ: University of Mpumalanga launches Eastern Cape Alumni Chapter

“My mother made sure that the first priority was that we go to school. We might not have had other things that we wanted, but she still made sure that we were in class and learning. She knew that the school provided food for us and I would eat there.”

Khoza had to stop selling vegetables due to health challenges. She said she was proud to see her daughter’s achievements. “I wish her all the best; I hope that she achieves all her heart desires.”

ALSO READ: Youth group meets with University of Mpumalanga, employment of young people discussed

This bursary fund covers a comprehensive range of financial support for selected students. These include full tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation fees, books and stationery, as well as a monthly stipend.
Since the inception of the programme, eight students have received the bursary, with six graduates and two currently enrolled at tertiary institutions. These students have pursued various degrees in fields related to engineering, and their academic and professional journeys reflect the impact of the bursary scheme.