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Role Models – Students
2019
Tiisetso Molata
Tiisetso Molata is studying Electrical Engineering
Tiisetso Molata from Gauteng is studying towards a BSc Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Pretoria. He attended PJ Simelane Secondary School in Dobsonville, Soweto.
Set clear and lofty goals, and ensure that everything you do each day is a step towards them.
2019
Annah Molelekeng
Annah Molelekeng Mokoena is studying Medicine
Annah Molelekeng Mokoena is studying medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand.
An achiever knows very well that past victories do not mean that you have already succeeded in your upcoming tasks. You have to work hard, start from zero over and over again and improve each time you do something.
2019
Olebogang Mncwabe
Olebogang Mncwabe is studying Biological Science
Olebogang Mncwabe is studying Biological Science at the University of Pretoria. She attended Princess High School in Roodepoort, Gauteng. She hopes to be accepted to study medicine soon.
What makes an achiever is perseverance: Many downfalls and disappointments come your way but your ability to keep going makes you an achiever.
2018
Mphoentle Piliso
Mphoentle Piliso is studying Medicine
Mphoentle Piliso is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town. Despite growing up without parents and being diagnosed with asthma in her matric year, she was one of South Africa’s top matric learners of 2017.
You are not here in this world to be average, you are here to be your best and to be awesome.
2018
Refilwe Selepe
Refilwe Selepe is studying Medicine
Refilwe Selepe is from the Free State. She is studying medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand. She attended high school at Rantsane Secondary which is located in the Free State in an area called Makwane.
Every person who is loving, caring, willing to serve, willing to truly lead, or who is successful, inspires me because that’s the whole package of what I want to become as I grow up.
2018
Khani Siweya
Khani Siweya is studying Medicine
Khani Siweya is from Limpopo. She is studying medicine at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.
“Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.”
2018
Amenta Sibi
Amenta Sibi is studying Medicine
Amenta Sibi is from the Eastern Cape. She is studying MBChB (medicine) at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
“The lack of interest, skills and passion in our primary school educators make many learners hate the subject from an early age. Better qualified and trained educators (who are skilled in the subject) must be employed in the primary schools.”
2018
Siphephelo Brian Tshabalala
Siphephelo Brian Tshabalala (studying BEng tech in Civil Engineering)
Siphephelo Brian Tshabalala is from the Free State. He is studying BEng tech in Civil engineering at the University of Johannesburg.
“If I was the president, I would develop great math and science teachers for all schools by making the selection process higher to produce more quality teachers.”
2017
Margaret Jane Mouton
Margaret Jane Mouton (studying BEng Mechanical)
Margaret Jane Mouton is from Gauteng. She is studying BEng Mechanical at the University of Pretoria.
“An achiever is someone who not only works hard but works smartly and is able to find balance in their lives.”
2017
Salemane Ngakana
Salemane Ngakana (Studying Electromechanical Engineering)
Salemane Ngakana is from the Free State. He is studying Electromechanical Engineering at the University of Cape Town.
“Never underestimate the meaning behind the phrase: ‘Knowledge is power’.”
2017
Thembinkosi Johannes Manyeruke
Thembinkosi Johannes Manyeruke (studying BSc Mathematical Statistics)
Thembinkosi Johannes Manyeruke is from Gauteng.He is studying BSc Mathematical Statistics at the University of Pretoria.
“I love statistics – I’m more than passionate about statistics… With Mathematical Statistics, I can make a difference in my country as Dr Pali Lehohla has done. I’d love to make statistical reports that can provide a breakthrough in the South African state of things, mostly in the economic (financial) and health sector.”
2017
Jacobie Mouton
Jacobie Mouton (studying BSc Mathematical Science, Computer Science)
Jacobie Mouton is from the Western Cape. She is studying BSc Mathematical Science (Computer Science) at the University of Stellenbosch.
“The collective output of the scientific community over the years is just utterly mind blowing… [this] inspires me to work hard so that I may also one day make my own contribution.”
2017
Dylan Hlamulo Maluleke
Dylan Hlamulo Maluleke (studying Civil Engineering)
Dylan Hlamulo Maluleke is from Limpopo. He is studying Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town.
“There is always a choice and you are the only that can make it, so what will it be?!”
2017
Romal Naidoo
Romal Naidoo (studying Medicine)
Romal Naidoo is from KwaZulu-Natal. She is studying for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
“Seize every opportunity and do not let the small moments pass you by.”
2017
Mulovhedzi Tovhowani
Mulovhedzi Tovhowani (studying Medicine)
Mulovhedzi Tovhowani is from Limpopo. She is studying Medicine at the University of Pretoria.
Nothing will be handed to you on a silver platter. To be successful, you must work hard… No one controls your destiny other than yourself.
2017
Adriana Dodkins
Adriana Dodkins (studying Veterinary Sciences)
Adriana Dodkins is from North West. She is studying Veterinary Sciences at the University of Pretoria.
“It is amazing to see how much of our daily life can actually be put into equations, for example, sport or music”
2017
Ndumiso Perfect Ndamane
Ndumiso Perfect Ndamane (studying BSc Electrical Engineering)
Ndumiso Perfect Ndamane is from KwaZulu-Natal. He is studying BSc Electrical Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
Education is your key to success and it is the only way to close the door to poverty.
2017
Bronson Rudner
Bronson Rudner studying BSc (Mathematics, Physics and Applied Maths)
Bronson Rudner, from the Western Cape, is studying BSc in Mathematics, Physics and Applied Maths at the University of Cape Town. He went to the South African College School (SACS) from grades 1 through 12.
“I am inspired by anyone who has overcome hardships to achieve outstanding results… Seeing [Andrew Tucker who overcame a life-threatening condition and achieved first place in the matric exams] made me realise I had no excuse for not doing my best.”
2016
Silindokuhle Thwala
Silindokuhle Thwala from KwaZulu-Natal is studying medicine at UKZN.
“Background is just a word you should never allow to define you. In every circumstance I encountered, trying to reach out to science, I let it be my stepping stones. I inspired myself to do better, since I was in a competition with myself, I always wanted to be better than yesterday.”
2016
Tala Ross
Tala is from the Western Cape and is currently studying BSc (Computer Science,
Maths and Applied Maths) at the University of Cape Town.
“The one thing that I knew for sure was that I didn’t want to get involved in the financial field and simply replicate processes such as in accounting. I wanted to be involved in creating something new, creating something that was mine. In the purest form I wanted to be an inventor.”
2016
Gayathri Suresh
Gayathri is from the Eastern Cape and is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town
“I have always been fascinated by physical science because my parents are science teachers and I really look up to them.”
2016
Fabian Ferreira
Fabian is from the Eastern Cape and is studying BSc (Chemical Engineering) at the University of Stellenbosch.
“Study hard and never give up. Setbacks only exist to make way for success.”
2016
Doreen Davies
Doreen is from North West Province and is currently studying towards a degree in multimedia at the University of Pretoria.
“Never undersell yourself, but don’t be overconfident. Apply to as many institutes as you can. Always have a backup plan. And don’t limit yourself to one future.”
2016
Laila Choonara
Laila is from Mpumalanga and is currently studying medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand.
“I had a wonderful maths teacher, Mrs Bothma, and I only realise now (after facing new challenges) that she taught me maths beyond “parroting” formulas.”
2016
Stephan Louw
Stephan is from Mpumalanga and is currently studying BSc (Mathematical Science) at Stellenbosch University.
“I hope to one day work in an environment that allows me to use the mathematical skills I have acquired to make a difference to the environment (think nature conservation etc.)”
2016
Thiven Padayachy
Thivenis from the Northern Cape and is currently studying medicine at the University of Stellenbosch.
“Be goal driven, disciplined and motivated. Don’t procrastinate and put off what you can do now.”
2016
Nicola van den Berg
Nicola is from Gauteng and is currently studying BSc (Genetics) at the University of Pretoria.
“I’ve always had a maths brain. Since starting high school I have enjoyed doing mathematics on a more difficult level, doing more complicated equations and solving complex problems. I consider myself a problem solver. “
2015
Ronewa Ndou
Ronewa is from Limpopo and is currently studying BSc (Electrical and Computer Engineering) at the University of Cape Town.
“Despite hard and difficult times, you can achieve anything as long as you believe in yourself and stay focused on the important things in life.”
2015
Sharon Ellman
Sharon is from Gauteng and is studying BSc (Environmentaland Engineering Geology) at the University of Pretoria.
“The idea of one day being able to contribute to the world in a meaningful and lasting way inspires me. Science is how I can do this.”
2015
Hannah Nel
Hannah is from the Free State and is studying BSC Agric (Animal Science) at the University of Pretoria.
“When it comes to applying for a place at university, my advice to matriculants is to start the application process soon enough so that you have all the necessary documentation handed in on time. Also keep your options open by applying at more than one institution”.
2015
Lebohang Mphono
Lebohang is from the Free State and is studying BSc (Mechanical Engineering) at the University of Cape Town.
“I realised I enjoyed Maths and Science much more than my other subjects in Grade 10, when I started giving them more attention than other subjects. I developed a further interest when I read more about great physicists and mathematicians like Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton.”
2015
Ria Nkgadima
Ria is studying a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil) at the University of the Witswatersrand.
My grade 9 Maths teacher, Mr Kamal, made me realise that I really love maths. I think it was because he was a patient teacher and tried his best to make us understand everything we needed to understand at that time.
2015
Benedikt Meylahn
Benedikt is from the From Eastern Cape and is studying for a BSc Eng (Mechatronics Engineering) at Stellenbosch University.
“I decided a degree in a science would not be a bad place to start. I chose engineering specifically because the idea of being creative and scientific at the same time appeals to me.
2015
Francois Slabber
Francois is from the Northern Cape and is studying for a BSc (Mechanical Engineering) at Stellenbosch University.
“The person that is probably my biggest inspiration is Siya Xuza. He is an energy-engineering Harvard University graduate from South Africa, who grew up under trying circumstances but made a success of his life.”
2015
Frederik van Heerden
Frederik is from the North-West province and is studying Genetics, Psychology and Physiology at the University of Pretoria.
“Try to understand what you’re interested in as soon as possible and base your decision on that, but not to feel bad if you aren’t sure which job you want to do by the time you leave school.”
2015
Isaac Monako Modisa
Isaac is from Gauteng and is studying for a BSc (Mechanical Engineering) at University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Isaac achieved 100% for both Maths and Physical Science in Matric and was awarded one of only 4 THRIP bursaries at the NSTF Awards Gala Dinner in 2015.
On Who inspires me
“Nikola Tesla, the 19th century engineer and inventor… He changed how the world works, from the invention of the AC current, X-ray, radio and remote control to motors, laser light and others. He is a true definition of what I want to see myself achieving.”
2015
Mari-Alet Smit
Mari-Alet is from the Western Cape and is studying for a BSc Eng (Chemical Engineering) at Stellenbosch University.
“Another reason I chose engineering as my study field is because there are so many work opportunities in a developing country like South Africa.”
2015
Thendo Shaun Muthambi
Thendo is from Limpopo and is studying for a BSc (Mechanical Engineering) at University of Cape Town (UCT). Thendo achieved 100% for both Maths and Physical Science in Matric and was awarded one of only 4 THRIP bursaries at the NSTF Awards Gala Dinner in 2015.
“Right now, Sandile Shezi inspires me. He is a 23-year old South African from Durban who founded and owns a multi-million rand Forex trading company. What inspires me about him above all is his passion, and the fact that he managed to make something big out of his life with the little resources he had.”
2015
Zandile Mbonxa
Zandile is from Gauteng and is studying BSc (Veterinary Sciences) at the University of Pretoria.
“As a passionate young girl I felt that it was exactly where I needed to be”
2015
Dimakatso Mosheshe
Dimakatso is from the Free State and is studying BSc (Electrical Engineering) at the University of Pretoria.
“I think at the end of the day the biggest challenge anyone would face concerning maths and science would be discipline. Those two subjects require a lot of discipline and basically knowing who you are and what works for you.”
2014
Yandisa Ndongeni
Yandisa is from Eastern Cape and is studying BEng (Mining Engineering) at the University of Pretoria.
My biggest challenge was time management. I overcame this mostly by disciplining myself into following the time tables I set up.
2014
Malan Bosman
Malan is from the Free State and is studying BEng (Industrial Engineering) at the Stellenbosch University.
Being at school, I wanted to be involved in almost everything. This often kept me very busy, and at times it was rather difficult to spend the time I wanted on science and mathematics. Prioritising was therefore extremely important.
2014
Reginald Dhlamini
Reginald comes from Gauteng and is currently studying BSc (Chemical Engineering) at Wits University.
Don’t choose based on salary or status. Apply to as many universities as possible, and the earlier the better.
2014
Tebogo Raseroka
Tebogo comes from the North West Province and is currently studying BEng (Electrical Engineering) at the University of Pretoria.
“My brother inspires me a lot because he always shows great passion when doing something he loves.”
2014
Peter Thompson
Peter Thompson from the Western Cape.
“Most, if not all science related fields depend on mathematics to some extent, and this allows for a diverse range of careers.”
S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
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