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Latest News
E Cape student gets R50 000 bursary
A DISADVANTAGED student from Libode has received a R50 000 bursary to study at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). Ntshidi & Associates gave 19-year-old Sigcobile Ndwendwe the bursary to enrol for BCom in general studies after they were approached by Deputy Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa. Sigcobile of Ngxokweni village near Libode passed matric at St Patrick’s High School. He was raised by his grandparents who depend on an old age grant to support the whole family.
“He is well-mannered and disciplined young man. He was the only boy in the commerce class; very humble, focused and dedicated to his studies. He has for many years been a symbol of hope for our school, “St Patrick’s principal Vuyani Langa said. With the help of Xasa, Ntshidi & Associates came on the board and fulfilled Sigcobile’s dream of studying. Ntshidi & Associates director Simphiwe Mzimela said the country had a huge need for people with financial skills who understood the intricacies and challenges facing the industry and ultimately the economy. “South Africa has a shortage of more than 5 000 chartered accountants; the public sector has a vacancy rate of more than 40% in the financial field”, said Mzimela. Current statistics showed that out of the 32 418 chartered accountants only were black, making up a mere 8%.
“This highlights the necessity of intervention by all stakeholders including the private sector. We have made it our responsibility to contribute towards empowering previously disadvantaged students. “We believe Sigcobile has the potential to excel in this field and we want to ensure that his dreams do not die simply because of his disadvantaged background”, he said In addition to the R50 000, the firm will enrol him in the company’s mentorship programme. Xasa said the development and growth of the country depend on the kind of investment the country makes in the education of its children and people in general.
The challenges we face require a paradigm shift, a fresh approach that will yield the desired results. The deputy minister thanked Ntshidi & Associates for their gesture.This bursary will enable Sigcobile to attend university and relieve the plight of his family. I know Sigcobile will work hard and pass his studies with flying colours. My message to you is that the future is in your hands and we are here to support you”, she said. Sigcobile cried when he was awarded the bursary and thanked his grandparent for raising him after the death of his mother. “If it was not for you, I would have dropped out of school. Maybe I could be loitering on the streets, but you spent your last pennies that I go this far. Thank you.”
He hoped his elderly grandparents would still be alive when he graduated. He thanked Xasa, Ntshidi & Associates and St Patrick’s Senior Secondary School.
“You have made a difference in my life. I promise I won’t disappoint you. You came at a time you were needed the most”, said Sigcobile. lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
Source :http://dispatch.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx