Foundation

Ms Thembile Masuku, a final-year student at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, received a bursary to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor through the generosity of the Hillensberg Trust.

‘I was in my second year when I received the bursary in 2020,’ said Masuku. ‘Before that, it was a really dark time in my life. I was an 18-year-old, far from home, with no funding or allowance, and struggling through a demanding medical degree. I was knocking on every door, applying for bursaries I didn’t even qualify for, just hoping something would come through.’

Access to higher education in South Africa, especially in fields like the health sciences, can often feel like an impossible dream for many. Bursaries like the one Masuku received not only lift a financial burden but also restore hope and create opportunities for students from the ‘missing middle’ – those who don’t qualify for government aid but can’t afford university either.

‘Getting this bursary meant that I could finally pursue what I’m passionate about. It meant that my dream wasn’t just a dream – it was real, and I could make it despite my financial struggles,’ she said. ‘This is why bursaries like these are so important. They change lives – not just for students, but for their families and communities, creating the future leaders of South Africa.’

For Masuku, education has always been a cornerstone of her upbringing. Coming from a family that values education deeply (her father’s favourite saying is: ‘They can take everything away from you, but never your education’) has shaped her outlook on life. She has been an overachiever since childhood, excelling in school and developing a passion for medicine from a young age.

Being far from home meant that Masuku only visited her family twice a year, missing significant events and the support system she’d grown up with. ‘The biggest challenge has been staying apart from my family. When I struggled with my mental health and academics, my only option was to see a counsellor, because my support system wasn’t physically there,’ she said.  

On top of that, studying medicine required her to overcome her natural shyness, build her communication skills and master time management – all while dealing with the pressure of medical training.

‘I’m an introvert,’ she said. ‘But the field I’m in demands good communication skills, confidence and constant studying. It was tough, but I had to get out of my comfort zone and grow into the confident young lady I am today.’

Outside of her rigorous academic schedule, Masuku makes time for hobbies like browsing TikTok, reading novels, watching movies, and spending time with friends. Recently, she’s taken up crocheting and is on a journey to discover more of her hidden talents.

Looking ahead, Masuku plans to graduate next year, return to Mpumalanga as a doctor, and to branch into corporate medicine in the future. Her passion for giving back also extends beyond medicine, with dreams of starting an NGO to help victims of abuse a testament to her compassion and commitment to making a difference.

To students who find themselves in difficult circumstances, Masuku advised: ‘Don’t be discouraged by the current unemployment rate. Get your degree, excel in what you do, and the rest will follow. Be assertive in what you want and go for it.’