Final-year Bachelor of Science student in Dietetics and Human Nutrition at UKZN Ms Anele Mnculwane was on the brink of stepping away from her studies despite excelling academically when she was awarded a bursary from the Hillensberg Trust, facilitated through the UKZN Foundation.
The bursary she received has been crucial in helping her complete her degree. ‘I received two certificates of merit last year, but without financial support, I was close to giving up,’ she said as she faced deregistration due to lack of funds. The bursary changed all that. ‘It came at just the right time. It lifted the stress and gave me the freedom to focus on my studies.’
Growing up in Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal, Mnculwane was raised in a home where her mother was the sole provider for five children. Her father, who was emotionally absent and unsupportive, often dismissed their ambitions. ‘He always told us we’d amount to nothing,’ she said. ‘That only motivated me to prove him wrong.’ With her mother carrying the weight of the household, Mnculwane was determined to build a future not defined by limitation, but by possibility.
Originally aspiring to be a pilot, Mnculwane’s career dreams had to shift due to financial constraints. After considering Engineering, she chose to study Dietetics and Human Nutrition – her third choice at the time. Initially uncertain, she eventually embraced the course and discovered a passion for nutrition and public health. Today, she sees it as her true calling.
Mnculwane also took on a part-time job at the UKZN library, learning to manage both academic and work responsibilities. Despite the demands, she continued to perform well and remained focused on her goals. Outside of the classroom, Mnculwane enjoys playing soccer, listening to music and has a growing interest in modelling – dreaming one day of working with international brands like Gucci.
Looking to the future, Mnculwane plans to open her own nutrition practice in KwaZulu-Natal, offering services to underserved communities. She also hopes to eventually work abroad in regions where undernutrition is a major concern, using her skills to make a broader impact.
‘To every student going through difficult times, keep going,’ she said. ‘Do not underestimate yourself or the power of perseverance. You will survive. God is backing you all the way.’
The Hillensberg Trust focuses on supporting students in fields like medicine, technology, visual art, and music, particularly those who are considered ‘missing middle’ students or are pursuing a second qualification.
