For Bachelor of Administration student, Ms Noluthando Shabalala, receiving the prestigious Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship is an honour and a welcomed financial relief.
After not receiving National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding, Shabalala’s academic journey was kept alive by her mother’s dedicated financial support and her dedication to her studies.
“The issue of funding has been very challenging as I did not get NSFAS funding for my studies, but I remained hopeful and was not put down by this,” said Shabalala.
“I worked hard through the hardships, being supported by my family, especially my mother as she is the one financing me. That persistence has now led to me being awarded this scholarship, allowing me to continue with my journey.”
A key turning point in her academic path came in the first semester of 2025, when she earned her first Dean’s Commendation – a prestigious award granted to students achieving exceptional academic results in a single semester. For Shabalala, this was tangible proof that hard work yields rewards.
“Receiving the Dean’s Commendation motivated me to want to get another, especially seeing how happy my family was upon receiving the news,” she said.
“It was just one of my first amazing achievements, which pushed me to strive towards having my Student Central filled with ‘Dean’s Commendation’ awards for that year.”
Looking ahead, Shabalala is focused on completing her degree and establishing a meaningful career in the public sector.
“When I chose to study this qualification, I did not necessarily know exactly what I wanted to be in the future,” she said. “However, as I started learning more about Public Administration, I became more interested in understanding and being part of how government and organisations work – and how they can better serve people.”
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini