‘This award will allow me to focus on my studies and academic pursuits, igniting my passion for excellence and unlocking a future filled with possibilities,’ said College Deputy Vice-Chancellors Scholarship recipient Mr Nhlanhla Mkhize.
The 21-year-old final-year Bachelor of Business Science student who hails from Embo, a rural town outside Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal, is majoring in Statistics and Finance and described being awarded the scholarship as a crucial financial lifeline and a testament to his hard work and dedication.
‘My academic journey has not been without challenges. Apart from financial difficulties, I found it difficult to achieve a balance between my studies and personal interests as my degree is very intensive. However, I found it to be a perfect fit resulting in me consistently earning the Dean’s Commendation each semester and being among the top students in most of the modules,’ said Mkhize.
The top achiever is also a member of the Golden Key Society which recognises 15% of academic achievers across all disciplines at UKZN. He aims to leverage his qualifications to make a meaningful contribution to the business world as a quantitative analyst.
‘This degree allows me to choose from comprehensive career options such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), actuary, investment analyst and many other options. I chose UKZN because of its high academic rankings and its reputation for educational excellence and I am grateful for the support of my lecturers and tutors,’ said Mkhize.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Supplied