Four recipients of the Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science are using the financial support to focus more fully on developing the skills needed to solve real-world problems.

The scholarship is awarded to the five top-ranked undergraduates proceeding from first to second year.

Mr Muhammad Sulaiman Gaffoor, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology, chose UKZN for its strong reputation in science and technology and because it allowed him to remain close to home. He particularly values learning alongside like-minded peers and the balance between academic opportunities and vibrant campus life.

His passion for Computer Science developed in high school, where he achieved distinctions in Mathematics and Information Technology. Combining his strengths in analytical problem-solving and logic with his fascination for programming, he saw Computer Science as a natural choice. “We live in an era where technology drives every global industry,” he said.

Gaffoor aims to complete his degree with distinctions before progressing to an honours degree and a master’s degree in Computer Science. His passion for coding has inspired ambitions to become a software engineer or systems developer, while he also hopes to travel and experience different cultures.

Outside his studies, Gaffoor values time with his family and friends, his Islamic faith and outdoor activities including soccer, golf and hiking. He says these provide balance and motivation to strive for excellence.

Receiving the scholarship is an “immense honour” and provides financial relief, allowing him to focus fully on his studies. He expressed his gratitude to his parents, lecturers, tutors and friends for their unwavering support throughout his studies.

Mr Niral Sewrathan, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Computer Engineering), chose UKZN because of its strong reputation within his family and the strength of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University. He particularly enjoys the laboratory practicals, which allow him to connect theory to real engineering systems.

His interest in Computer Engineering grew from a love of solving complex problems and creating tangible solutions through programming and electronics. “Computer engineering lies at the intersection of software and hardware, which makes it the perfect balance for me,” he said.

Outside his studies, Sewrathan enjoys personal electronics projects, gaming, chess and word and logic puzzles. These provide a diversion from academic work while satisfying his curiosity and love of problem-solving.

He hopes to pursue a master’s degree if the right opportunities arise. Although he has not yet settled on a specific career, he hopes that problem-solving, teaching or mentorship will be meaningful parts of his professional life.

Receiving the Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship was both a surprise and a sign that he is on the right track. The financial support has enabled him to obtain a high-performance laptop essential for his studies, while allowing him to focus more fully on academic excellence.

Sewrathan expressed his deepest gratitude to his parents for their sacrifices and unwavering support, as well as to his mathematics teachers, who helped shape his approach to problem-solving and inspired his enjoyment of the field.

Mr Siphesihle Sibisi, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Science, with majors in Computer Science and Statistics (Data Science), chose UKZN because he wanted to study outside his home province at an institution that offered the degree he sought. He particularly enjoys meeting students from different backgrounds and values the academic support provided through weekly tutorials, practicals and Supplemental Instruction sessions.

He was drawn to the programme because of his natural mathematical inclination, his interest in technology and the wide range of career opportunities it offers. He hopes to progress to an honours or master’s degree before pursuing a career as a data scientist.

Sibisi’s family and church community play an important role in keeping him focused and motivated. He describes their support as “fuel” in his life and studies. For Sibisi, the scholarship represents more than financial support. “The scholarship means that there are people out there who have hope in our generation,” he said, adding that he is grateful for an initiative that invests in young people and gives them an opportunity to demonstrate their potential.

He expressed his appreciation to his family, friends and everyone who continues to support and encourage him in his studies.

Mr Awande Zungu, who is studying for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology, initially chose UKZN for the opportunity to continue his studies and build a future in a challenging economy. Although securing residence was a struggle, he soon settled in and developed friendships with people who challenge and motivate him academically. He values these relationships and spends time developing his career through personal projects and learning new skills.

His passion for Computer Science began with his first experience of coding. “The first time I coded, I felt like a god in my small digital world,” he recalled, describing the thrill of seeing his instructions come to life on a computer screen. He later developed projects in Scratch, including an interactive agent and games, which inspired him to pursue a career in the field.

Zungu hopes to progress to a master’s degree before gaining industry experience as a software or DevOps engineer. He then plans to return to academia to complete a PhD. His long-term ambition is to become a technology leader who develops solutions rather than simply follows trends, particularly in fintech, health technology and initiatives addressing challenges in South Africa.

For Zungu, the scholarship provides both financial relief and motivation. He sees it as validation that others believe in his potential and as an opportunity to focus more fully on his studies and realise his ambitions.

Zungu expressed his gratitude to his parents for introducing him to the world of computers and supporting him throughout his journey, and to the scholarship donors for supporting his studies. “Your support means everything. I will work hard to make you proud,” he said.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini