Published: 16th October, 2019

Ten postgraduate students from the University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN) were recently awarded scholarships worth over R850 000 from Tata International in Africa. The recipients graduated with Honours Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas in the disciplines of Science, Commerce and Finance and Banking.

“Our partnership with UKZN dates back to 2008 and we are proud to be able to provide the necessary support to the students which has enabled them to further their studies. Education is extremely empowering and transformative and forms one of the key components of the Tata business values and belief system,” said Len Brand, CEO of Tata International Africa who presented the scholarships to the students.

Scholarships are given to beneficiaries who have shown financial need and academic excellence in their chosen field of study and who have a proven academic track record during their graduate years. All fields of study and faculties are taken into consideration and students must be accepted via the respective university’s academic or development foundation and must pass the university’s academic criteria for acceptance.

The amount that each student receives covers the student’s tuition fees, stipend (living costs), books and accommodation for the year of study. Tata postgraduate scholarships contribute to the country’s objective of increasing the number of postgraduate scholars primed to take up leadership positions in business, government, and civil society in the country.

“There is a strict ‘no strings’ attached policy regarding these scholarships – in other words the students are not obligated in any way to ‘work back’ their scholarships to Tata International in Africa after they have completed their studies. They are free to pursue whichever direction they want to” added Len.

This year’s UKZN scholarship recipients are: Oyanga Nontsimi (Bachelor of Science Honours – Statistics), Bridget Mandisa Nkabinde (Bachelor of Commerce Honours – Industrial Relations Interdisciplinary), Nosipho Sindiswa      Mbuyisa (Bachelor of Science Honours in Forensic Genetics), Nkosinomusa Khunjuliwe Khumalo (Bachelor of Social Science Honours), Pearl Nokulunga Sithole (Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Criminology and Forensic Studies), Happiness Nqobile Mkhulise (Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Criminology and Forensic Studies), Fisokuhle Zamandla Sithole (Bachelor of Commerce Honours – Marketing and Supply Chain Management), Sindisiwe Angel Gumede (Postgraduate Diploma in Finance, Banking and Investment Management), Anele Thandeka Cele (Bachelor of Commerce Honours Management) and Lindiwe Janet Nzabe (Bachelor of Commerce Honours Marketing Management).