University of the Witwatersrand Scholarship

The Minister of Basic Education and the Vice-Chancellor of Wits University announced the names of ten matriculants who have been awarded Wits Equality Scholarships.

One of these matriculants is Newcastle’s own Thembinkosi S. Qwabe from Amajuba High School.

These scholarships have been created to assist talented pupils from marginalized communities to access higher education. They are awarded to the top 10 pupils from Quintile one and two schools, who chose to attend Wits. They are worth about R100 000 per annum for undergraduates, provided that they continue to excel.

“This initiative is aimed at ensuring the social migration of previously disadvantaged pupils into the upper echelons of the economy as educated leaders of industry and society in general. This particular programme will go a long way to helping create the truly equal society envisioned by the late President Nelson Mandela, and in this way is a fitting tribute to his legacy,” said Angie Motshekga, the Minister of Basic Education.

As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The University of the Witwatersrand and the Department of Basic Education took it to heart and opened doors that seemed locked to many.

“If you are talented, you should be entitled to study at the best institutions,” said the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, Professor Adam Habib.

The Wits Equality Scholarships, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, are the university’s small contribution towards helping society to eliminate inequality.

This is quite the honour and we know that Thembinkosi will continue to work hard and reach his dreams.