Mr Nqubeko Mazibuko is the proud recipient of the Hugh Africa Scholarship which is named after a former Vice-Chancellor of UKZN who was also a professor, and a member of the Council at the University, an honorary doctorate recipient and a distinguished educationist.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a top new entrant choosing to study Education.

Hailing from Pongola in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mazibuko is in the first year of a Bachelor of Education degree. Graduating from Dwaleni High School in Ncotshane, Mazibuko was ecstatic about his achievement. ‘I was not expecting to achieve eight distinctions in Matric and cried tears of joy when I got my results. I felt like my matric success exceeded everyone’s expectations!’

Buoyed by his success, Mazibuko received many offers from tertiary institutions however, studying at UKZN had been his childhood dream. ‘I plan to complete my BEd degree and study further to obtain a doctoral degree in Education within the field of Geography and perhaps one day lecture at UKZN,’ he said.

Mazibuko believes his scholarship serves as a testament to the work he has put in. ‘Late nights and early mornings studying were my daily routine. The scholarship lifts the financial burden from my parents’ shoulders freeing me to study without worrying about the fees.’

He thanked his parents, the educators at Dwaleni High School, and his classmates who believed in him. ‘I am going to repay the University’s trust in me by excelling academically. Once I have enough knowledge, I will share my expertise where needed to help those aspiring to achieve further.’

His advice to young learners is: ‘Learn from everything. Remember every moment is an opportunity to learn from everyone around you, no matter their position. Pay attention when things go well; pay extra attention when they don’t and build relationships with people who face problems by being their solution.’