Ramatsobane Annah Sekele was announced as this year’s The Glen Bursary winner, a moment she describes as life-changing and meaningful.

Leadership, exposure and growth at a township school

While still in primary school, Annah moved to Limpopo to live with her aunt because her mother was travelling to find work, so there was no one to take care of her at home. Annah stayed in Limpopo for seven years.

“When I started high school, I came back this side, and would say that was the best decision ever,” she said.

Returning home was a turning point in her life. Annah attended the Forte Secondary School in Dobsonville, Soweto, and believes it played a major role in shaping who she is today.

“I am where I am today because of the Forte Secondary School. The opportunities and the exposure there you don’t find anywhere, especially from a township school.”

During her schooling, Annah attended top student camps and took part in the Representative Council of Learners elections, experiences that helped her grow in confidence and leadership.

“It exposed me to all the opportunities I have today,” she said.

Annah comes from a family of three, is the only girl and is the middle child. Her family live in Jabulani. She describes her upbringing as stable and supportive, thanks largely to her mother.

“Growing up wasn’t that hard because I had a hardworking mother who made sure we had everything we needed. It wasn’t luxurious, but all the basics were covered,” Annah said.

Annah matriculated last year.

“My matric journey was a roster of emotions and a lot of crying. I’m competitive, so when things don’t go my way, I cry it out, then I pick myself up,” she said.

Despite the pressure, she attained strong results, maintaining an average above 82% throughout the year, with a highest mark of 86%. She was especially proud of her maths result, which had caused her the most stress due to university requirements.

Annah explained that the final exams were not as difficult as she had expected, thanks to tough trial exams and preparation.

“I kind of already knew my results before I finished,” she said, recalling how confident she felt after writing business studies.

Winning against the odds

She learnt about The Glen Bursary through an Instagram advert and decided to apply, mainly because she needed funding for her first year at university.

“I just took a leap of faith. I had even forgotten that I applied when they called me for an interview,” she said.

She was surprised to learn she had made it into the top 10 candidates and later became the first winner of the bursary.

“It means a lot, especially with how the economy is nowadays. Funding is difficult to find. Even though it doesn’t cover everything, the most important part is tuition fees,” Annah said.

She explained how many students struggle to return for a second year because of unpaid fees.

“Some can’t even access their results to apply for other bursaries, so this really means a lot.”

Looking to university and beyond

Annah, studying at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Auckland Park campus, is enrolled in a Bachelor of Accounting Science, which leads to the chartered accountant route.

Accounting has been her passion since primary school. “Growing up, I realised it’s more than the money. Accountants play a crucial role in the economy.”

She also became aware of the shortage of accountants.

Annah thanked the people who supported her journey; her teachers, parents and a close friend whose family gave her a place to stay closer to school.

“It wasn’t safe or easy to travel long distances and still study in my matric year. My friend’s mother said it was better if I stayed with them.”

The two friends have supported each other since the age of eight.

“We always push each other to want better,” said Annah. Her friend is studying computer science in Cape Town.
When asked her advice for young people struggling with funding, Annah said, “Keep applying for every opportunity you see, you never know who will respond.”

She added that hard work is just as important. “Perseverance is the hard work you do after being tired from what you have already done,” she said.

Annah is excited about her first year at university. She has signed up for UJ’s community engagement programme, where she will help distribute food parcels at hospitals. “Giving back has always been important to me,” she said, reflecting on her leadership roles in high school. She also looks forward to gaining work experience in finance.

A bursary rooted in community upliftment

The Glen Shopping Centre said the bursary is part of its commitment to being the heart of the community and supporting young people beyond retail.

Marketing manager Jess Denner explained that the initiative was created to help remove financial barriers to education.

“Education is so important. It creates our future leaders but is often met with challenges that require financial support to make a dream career even possible, and that’s why we decided to help someone overcome this by offering financial aid in the form of a bursary,” she said.

Denner added that Annah stood out because of her academic excellence and clear vision for her future.

“Her matric results were astonishing. Her commitment and dedication to her schooling earned her distinctions in her matric year, and her vision and plan for herself was recommendable indeed,” she said.

She said initiatives like the bursary reflect the mall’s long-term vision of giving back.

“We not only have a responsibility to our shoppers, but to our community to lend a helping hand where possible. The bursary aims to show young people that their future is not defined by where they come from, but by the courage they have to pursue where they are going.”

The Glen has also confirmed that the bursary would continue, with the next competition launching in October for the matric class of 2026.

General manager Glen Maboe congratulated Annah, “It is a testament to her hard work, dedication and potential.”

He encouraged her to embrace the journey ahead: “Believe in your abilities, remain focused on your goals, and never be afraid to reach higher than you thought possible. This is only the beginning of a bright and promising future.”