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Role Models – Students
Boikanyo Khoza
Boikanyo Khoza wants to further her studies so that she can become an inspiration for the upcoming generation in her township.
Boikanyo is studying medicine at Sefako Makgato Health Sciences University. She matriculated at Modilati Secondary School in Hammanskraal in Gauteng.
“Let us start making a difference today, so that the upcoming generation can have a home to live in.”
Jeremiah Elijah Lebipi
Jeremiah Elijah Lebipi is inspired by nature’s creation. He is fascinated about the universe and its laws and curious about how they work.
Jeremiah is studying BEng Civil Engineering at the University of Johannesburg. He matriculated at Tipfuxeni Secondary in Hammanskraal in Gauteng.
“Have a clear vision about what you want to achieve. Do not worry about how you are going to get there.”
Gwiba Nonkenge
Gwiba Nonkenge is studying mechatronics to be better suited for 4th industrial revolution and the future we’re headed towards.
Gwiba is studying BEng (Mechatronics Engineering) at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He matriculated at Toli Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape.
“Just keep your head down and work as best as you can as frequently as possible, the results of that are life changing.”
Rachel Meiring
Rachel Meiring wants to specialise in neurosurgery to help those who suffered in the same way as her aunt.
Rachel is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT). She matriculated at the Rhenish Girls’ High School in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.
“You are so much more than a number. Do not become disillusioned with yourself; be proud of everything that you have accomplished .”
Simone Anna-Mart Louw
Simone Anna-Mart Louw wants to innovate, create and build. She aspires to better the lives of people around her.
Simone is studying electrical and electronic engineering at Stellenbosch University. She matriculated at Bloemhof Girls’ High School in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.
“Never work for perfection, work for excellence, otherwise you will never be satisfied with what you have achieved”.
Athenkosi Khonzani
Athenkosi Khonzani envisions himself successfully completing his PhD in electrical and computer engineering and embarking on an entrepreneurial journey by establishing his own tech company.
Athenkosi is studying electrical and computer engineering at the University of Cape Town. He matriculated at the Centre of Science and Technology in Khayelitsha in the Western Cape.
“Hard work, when combined with a passion for learning, will enable you to unlock your full potential and achieve remarkable accomplishments.”
Mia Coetzee
Mia aspires to work towards obtaining a master’s degree to fulfill her dream of becoming a pediatrician.
Mia Coetzee is studying medicine at the University of the Free State (UFS). She matriculated at Sentraal High School in Bloemfontein in the Free State.
“Be aware of your circumstances, but do not let them define you”.
Voninga Kwetsimane
Maritze
Voninga Maritze envisions himself as being one of South Africa’s top health professionals specialising in neurology or cardiovascular treatment depending on the area of need at that time and practising on a global scale as well as serving his community in the Mpumalanga province.
Voninga is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He matriculated at Acorn to Oaks Comprehensive High School in Acornhoek in Mpumalanga.
“Work hard, work smart and put in the hours”.
Andile Gumede
Andile sees himself working as a doctor and running a programme in his community that will make people’s lives better.
Andile Gumede is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He matriculated at Adams College of Education in KwaZulu-Natal.
“A candle doesn’t lose anything when lighting up another candle, but the dark space becomes luminous. So let us help each other, work hard so that we all make it in life.”
Danielle Honiball
Danielle wants to follow a career where she can interact with different people and share her joy with them.
Danielle is studying medicine at Stellenbosch University (SU). She matriculated at Pearson High School in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
“Big dreams require hard work.”
Aaron Bobby Kunnath
Aaron would like to work and play a leadership role in a company that provides robotics solutions to many people across the globe, not only to those who are wealthy and well off.
Aaron is studying mechatronics engineering at Stellenbosch University. He matriculated at Northern Cape High School on Kimberley, Northern Cape Province.
“The world we live in today requires us to be problem solvers and critical thinkers. These are skills that can be developed and can be used for the betterment of our society.”
Zemfundo Mthembu
Zemfundo sees herself combating diabetes and creating awareness of the illness at an international level.
Zemfundo is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town. She matriculated at Adams College of Education in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal.
“The only barrier between you and your dreams is you. Push yourself to the edge with studying and you will see how far you will go in the end.”
Matimba Manganyi
Matimba wants to be one of the scientists who does research in the field of astrophysics to advance our understanding of the universe.
Matimba is studying towards a BSc degree in astronomy and astrophysics at the University: University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). He matriculated at Letlotlo Secondary School in Mabopane, Tshwane.
“I am inspired by how the universe works and how we can establish laws about physical systems and use those laws to improve our lives and find better and more convenient ways to solve the problems that we have.”
Simphiwe Kubheka
Simphiwe wants to do research into producing large amounts of clean energy.
Simphiwe Kubheka is studying electrical and computer engineering at the University of Cape Town. He matriculated at Emhlwaneni High School in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Being a South African citizen and watching my country going through the never-ending cycle of loadshedding has inspired me to try and come up with sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions to fix the electricity shortages.”
Lutendo Portia Rambevha
Lutendo Portia Rambevha would like to dedicate herself to medicine and change lives.
Lutendo Portia is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town. She matriculated at Thengwe High School in Limpopo.
“My main aim is to empower the youth in my community, not only by providing them with jobs but also armouring them with knowledge on how to take care of their physical, mental and spiritual health.”
Phila Mbuyisa
Phila Mbuyisa is fascinated with the human body and hopes to one day come up with a useful medical invention or two to improve people’s lives.
Phila matriculated at Nsalamanga High School in KwaZulu-Natal. He is studying medicine at the University of Kwazulu-Natal.
“Seeing how far science has developed inspires me.”
Emilia Janse van Rensburg
Emilia believes that in order to reach the top one should arm yourself with knowledge, do what you do best, have perseverance and strive to be worthy of recognition.
Emilia matriculated at the Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool in Pretoria. She is studying medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand.
“I hope to have touched the lives of many in ten years’ time.”
Anele Mnguni
Anele Mnguni wants to help children and the youth to have goals that will make them prosper so that they again can have a good impact on their societies.
Anele matriculated at Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School in KwaZulu-Natal. She is studying medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
“I see myself improving lives of South Africa by working with orphans, the elderly and people suffering from addiction.”
Glasson Osborne
Glasson Osborne believes the knowledge gained from his degree will allow him to do much to improve society.
Glasson Osborne matriculated at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch. He is studying BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University.
“Hopefully, I can establish myself as a professional engineer actively engaged in an ‘electrifying’ industry!”
Sifiso Hosana
Sifiso Hosana wants to empower and rehabilitate people, and ignite a passion for education in the hearts of children.
Sifiso Hosana matriculated at Mafemani-Nxumalo Secondary School in Mpumalanga. He is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town.
“Numbers always make sense and that’s something that I’ve always loved. There is no subjective answer, it is either you are correct or wrong.”
Gerben Visser
Gerben Visser hopes to help solve South Africa’s energy problems
Gerben Visser matriculated at De Kuilen High School in Kuils River, Cape Town. He is studying BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University. He was selected as one of the students for the NSTF’s Brilliants Programme in 2021.
“Hopefully, I can establish myself as a professional engineer actively engaged in an ‘electrifying’ industry!”
Rirhandzu Precious Mkhari
Rirhandzu Precious Mkhari plans to be the best doctor for her people
Sabelo Langa
Sabelo Langa dreams of having his own surgery in his home village
Sabelo Langa is studying medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). He matriculated at Tholokuhle High School in KwaZulu-Natal. He was selected as one of the students for the NSTF’s Brilliants Programme in 2021.
Andiswa Gabela’s
Andiswa Gabela’s fascination with numbers started in primary school
Andiswa Gabela is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town. He matriculated at Phillip Ndimande Secondary School in Mpumalanga Province. He was selected as one of the students for the NSTF’s Brilliants Programme in 2021.
Dester De Salegn
A scientist in the making
Dester Weltegebriel De Salegn is studying towards a BSc Biological Sciences degree at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). She hails from Elukwatini in Mpumalanga. Dester was selected as one of the students for the NSTF’s Brilliants Programme in 2021.
“Believe in yourself; get a head start if you have the opportunity”
Gabbi Christians
Gabbi Christians is an engineer in the making, hoping to find innovative solutions to problems
Gabbi Christians is studying BEng (Chemical Engineering) at Stellenbosch University. She matriculated Kimberley Girls’ High School in the Northern Cape.
“Engineers contribute a great deal to ,aking new things and finding innovative solutions to problems. As an aspriring chemical engineer, I would be given the opportunity to do just that.”
Davinichia Douries
On the journey to becoming a medical doctor
Davinichia Douries is studying medicine at the University of Stellenbosch. She matriculated at Charlie Hofmeyr High School in Ceres in the Western Cape. She was selected as one of the students for the Brilliants Programme in 2021.
“I am always striving to do better and be better. But not all better than those around me – better than who I was.”
Delight Mashaba
We are living in the data age, says Delight Mashaba
Delight Mashaba matriculated at Ximunwana High School in Limpopo. He is studying towards a BSc Applied Mathematics degree at the University of Pretoria. Delight was selected as a student of the NSTF Brilliants Programme in 2021.
“ I’ve always wanted to help people, and with mathematics, i believe that breakthoughs are still to be made that will significantly impact economies worldwide.”
Danie Gouws
Problem-solving and hands-on skills
Danie Gouws is studying electrical and electronic engineering at Stellenbosch University. He attended Hoërskool Hermanus in the Western Cape. Danie was selected for the NSTF Brilliants Programme in 2021.
“My father also has a great love for science and mathematics and works in a related field. He exposed me to mathematics and physics-related concepts and encouraged me to learn as much as possible about the field.”
Marelie Bester
Marelie Bester is studying physics
Marelie Bester matriculated at Ficksburg High School in 2020. She is currently studying towards a Physics degree at Stellenbosch University
S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
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