Murendwa Ratshikhopha and Lenia Marogola received this life-changing prize as part of a joint initiative between The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) and Rosebank College, an education brand of The IIE. This initiative identified five South Africans who have the necessary drive, motivation and passion to turn opportunity into results and rewarded them with the financial means to further their goals.
"At Rosebank College, we aim to make quality education accessible to all South Africans. The reality is that even though there are so many people out there with ambition, affording tertiary education will always be a struggle. That's why we decided to forever change the lives of a few handpicked South Africans, like Murendwa and Lenia. We believe they are the type of students who will see their ambitions through to the end," says Greg Fillmore, MD of Rosebank College.
Murendwa and Lenia, together with three more winners from other parts of the country, came out tops against no less than 2,683 other students who took part in this initiative by sharing their visions and ambitions of how they imagine life after completing their studies. Students from all five Rosebank College campuses, located in Durban, Pretoria Sunnyside, Pretoria CBD, Braamfontein and Auckland Park participated.
Murendwa could barely contain her excitement as she received her prize: "I grew up in rural Limpopo. Coming from humble beginnings, my goal is to one day become a business manager or to own my own business which will engage in Social Corporate Investment. Thanks to the generosity of Rosebank College, I now have the platform I need to make this dream a reality."
Lenia has big plans with the opportunities her bursary money would afford her. "I may not have everything, but now I do have what I need. That's why I am going to do my level best to become a successful woman and create good opportunities for others in need. One thing is for certain, I made an excellent choice by choosing Rosebank College to make my dream a reality."
"We believe that both Murendwa and Lenia have what it takes to study hard and pursue their dreams. This is one of many ways in which The IIE assists in making a difference to the lives of South Africa's youth. Our youth have loads of potential, waiting to be identified, nurtured and grown. It is our responsibility as educators to support the young enthusiasts in South Africa and growing the future of our country," Fillmore concluded.
