UKZN students honoured by Mandela Rhodes scholarship award
Two UKZN students are amongst the 50 recipients of the 2016 Mandela Rhodes Scholarship.
The scholarship aims to facilitate the work of postgraduates, building on the legacy of late former President Nelson Mandela.
Pilela Majokweni says she was taken by surprise when she received the news.
The 24-year-old is studying towards her Masters in Agricultural Economics.
She says the scholarship will assist in advancing her research which is focused on small-scale growers in the rural Msinga area of northern KZN.
"I felt ecstatic when I heard the news - I was very, very happy. I just have to make sure that I have a positive impact and I use whatever skills and knowledge that I'll get from the scholarship to create a bigger impact than I would have if I was not part of the scholarship," she said.
Meanwhile 21-year-old Mfundo Mdletshe, who's reading towards his Masters in Development Studies, says despite recent questions about the Rhodes legacy - he's excited to be associated with the scholarship.
"Being part of that special population is a reality for a lot of students who face a financial burden. The scholar will help me finish my studies in time. Besides, over and above my studies - the scholarship's leadership program which will certainly help me with my leadership skills," he said.
(Photos: Supplied)