Financial Aid Helps UKZN Students Realise their Full Potential
The partnership forged between the College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) in 2017 has assisted more than 200 UKZN students to realise their academic dreams. Similar assistance is now also reaching students in other disciplines, including Commerce, Law and Engineering.
ISFAP paid tribute to the graduating class of 2024, which consisted of 104 students from the CHS.
Said Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the CHS Professor Busisiwe Ncama: ‘ISFAP and the CHS are both driven by the philosophy of being socially responsive. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to ISFAP for helping so many of our students achieve their career goals. Many UKZN students come from impoverished backgrounds and ISFAP, through their holistic support, have helped produce the next cadre of healthcare professionals.’
ISFAP Chief Executive Officer Mr Werner Abrahams said that ISFAP’s main goal was to motivate and encourage students making their way up the academic ladder to realise their full potential. ‘At ISFAP, we ensure that we introduce you to a range of professionals in your field of study who will become your beacon of hope to help you realise your dreams. Further, we encourage you to be a pillar for the community, an outstanding citizen for South Africa and an impactful healthcare professional.’
Medical graduate and ISFAP recipient as well as the ISFAP class representative Dr Langanani Tshivhase, said: ‘I was fortunate to be part of the first cohort of medical students to receive funding from ISFAP and realise my dream of becoming a medical doctor. I want to thank ISFAP, its donors and UKZN for making this possible. I aspire to make you proud and pay it forward by supporting other students. I also promise to provide quality healthcare to the community.’
CHS student counsellor Ms Suzanne Stokes had this strong message for the graduating class: ‘During your studies, you create a fan club, supporters and a support structure who are active participants in your growth. It is a network of individuals who share your vision and passion for life. Let’s celebrate with fans of ISFAP today by taking care of your mental health, which is an important step towards success in your personal journey.’
The CEO of Inanda Township Community Health Clinic, UKZN alumnus and beneficiary of ISFAP Dr Nosipho Mgobhozi, was an inspiration to the graduating class. Mgobhozi, who is from humble beginnings – her mum worked as a domestic worker and her dad was unemployed – runs a clinic and manages a staff of 30 doctors and more than 60 nurses.
‘The sky is the limit. Make sure your journey doesn’t end at graduation,’ she said. ‘We want you to come back and specialise. KwaZulu-Natal is feeling the pressure of a shortage of specialists, with patients having to wait six months and longer for surgery or chemotherapy. Being a medical doctor is not a career; it is a calling, so strive to be the best you can be to serve your communities.’
Regional Manager of ISFAP Mr Lindelani Duze said: ‘We are grateful to UKZN for all the support we’ve received since 2017. To the graduating class, this is the beginning of a new chapter. It is not the end of your journey. Make sure you show your patients love, compassion and kindness. We also want to encourage you to strengthen your knowledge in financial management as this is the key to your success.’
