Mbalenhle Mhlongo’s journey from poverty to graduating from one of South Africa’s top universities took centre stage at Siza Water’s annual bursary breakfast last Friday.

Mhlongo, who recently completed her undergraduate degree in Development and Environmental Studies at Stellenbosch University, shared how Siza Water stepped in at a critical point in her life.

After being rejected by two other bursary schemes and facing the prospect of studying without financial support, the Siza Water bursary “changed the trajectory of my academic journey”.

“While many students struggle with unpaid fees and constant anxiety, I never had to worry about my tuition. That peace of mind allowed me to focus and perform to the best of my ability,” she said.

Mhlongo also credited the bursary for providing three years of vacation work, which gave her valuable exposure to a professional environment and helped shape her career aspirations.
She is now pursuing an honours degree in Sustainability and Environmental Management.

Siza Water managing director Shyam Misra said Mhlongo’s story reflects the purpose of the bursary fund, which was established before the introduction of NSFAS to support tertiary education within the company’s service area.

This year, the programme supports nine students – five external and four internal recipients – with a total investment nearing R2.5 million since the initiative began.

Misra noted that the bursary has produced engineers, laboratory staff and professionals across various sectors, contributing to both skills development and improved service delivery.
He encouraged current bursary holders to take responsibility for the opportunity and remain focused as they step into adulthood.

Shayamoya councillor Collin Mdletshe described the bursary as a vote of confidence in young people and urged them to use education to uplift their families and communities.

He also highlighted the importance of youth skills in driving long-term development initiatives, such as Vision 2030 and the proposed R20 billion Zimbali Marina project.

The event concluded with well-wishes for the bursary recipients as they embark on the academic year, inspired by success stories like Mhlongo’s.

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