UKZN student Ms Samkelo Londeka Ndwandwe recently received a prestigious bursary from Huawei, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey. This has alleviated her financial burdens, allowing her to focus on her studies and pursue her dreams in the rapidly evolving field of Computer Science and Information Technology.
‘This financial assistance has certainly alleviated the burden of worrying about how I would continue studying,’ said Ndwandwe. ‘I’ve gained financial stability that allows me to focus fully on my academics. As the old adage goes, when you concentrate your efforts on just two or three things in life, greatness follows. By completing my education, I am confident that other opportunities will arise, enabling me to grow both personally and professionally.’
Coming from a low-income background, Ndwandwe's family experiences played a significant role in shaping her aspirations. ‘My family's struggles and sacrifices have instilled in me a strong work ethic and determination to succeed. These experiences have influenced my decision to pursue my studies, with the hope of creating a better future for myself and giving back to my community.’
While she initially envisioned a career in Medicine or Engineering, her interest in coding and systems grew throughout high school. This newfound passion led her to UKZN, where she is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Information Technology. Her coursework, though challenging, has been exhilarating, and she credits UKZN for providing a solid foundation in computer systems. ‘My transition from high school to university coursework was a major challenge,’ she said, ‘but I relied on time management, mentorship and support from peers to overcome these obstacles.’
Ndwandwe’s resilience and perseverance have shaped her academic path, and she remains committed to her goals. In addition to her coursework, she is teaching herself various programming languages and exploring their unique features. ‘Although I’m not engaged in research yet, I’ve been fascinated by discovering the strengths of different programming languages and how they are suited for specific purposes,’ she said.
Beyond her academic pursuits, she enjoys extracurricular activities – coding and a recently rekindled love for sports in the form of the UKZN baseball team. Looking ahead, she plans to further her studies by obtaining an honours degree before embarking on a career as a software developer.
Ndwandwe’s advice to fellow students is rooted in her own experiences: ‘Stay determined – challenges will come, but your perseverance will pay off. Seek support – don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed. Believe in yourself – trust in your abilities and keep pushing towards your goals.
The Huawei bursary has provided Ndwandwe with the opportunity to realise her academic potential and pursue her ambitions, reinforcing the importance of bursaries in enabling students from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their educational goals and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
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