GEORGE NEWS - Eighteen Nelson Mandela University (NMU), George Campus students are among the first beneficiaries of the Absa CEO scholarships. 

The announcement of the R17-million bursary investment over three years for academically deserving but financially vulnerable students was initially met with a sense of disbelief, followed by gratitude and immense relief.

Executives from Absa, NMU and community stakeholders met with the elated recipients at a function held in their honour at the university's George Campus on Wednesday 13 September.

The exact circumstances of the 18 George bursars may differ, but the golden thread in their academic journeys is their ambition to study and to excel, as in many instances they represent the hopes and dreams of family members and their communities. Furthermore, they are motivated by a strong desire to plough back their energies and expertise so that society in general can also reap the benefits of this unexpected, but well-deserved financial investment.

First year BCom Accounting student, Thandolwenkosi Maphumulo, who is from Umlazi in KZN and is the first in his family to attend university, said, "Growing up in a less privileged community has not only offered financial and academic challenges, but has also helped me realise the value of a tertiary education.

"My educational pursuits would not be possible without generous support from scholarship sponsors like Absa. Thank you for this opportunity".

NMU Campus Principal Prof Quinton Johnson said, "We have to make hope a reality for deserving students."

Absa Citizenship Manager Andy de la Mare emphasised that the country needs well-groomed graduates to experience shared growth. "We realise our interdependence, hence the decision by Absa to invest in education as a sustainable strategy which goes beyond corporate social responsibility," he said.

Criteria for the Absa scholarship included sustained academic performance; displaying of leadership potential through involvement in community and social initiatives; participation in extra-curricular activities, and pursuing of qualifications in the sphere of commerce, science, humanities, engineering or technology.

Andy de la Mare (left), Absa citizenship manager and Sefoko Ramoshaba (right), from student affairs at NMU George Campus with Vrenika Green and Nathan Kemp, two of the eighteen students who will benefit from the partnership between NMU and Absa. Photos: Kelvin Saunders

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