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UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL FOUNDATION 7UKZN alumna Ms Simangele Msweli-Ratsoana. COVER FEATUREMsweli-Ratsoana is the Senior Manager of the Youth Leadership Program at the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). UKZN Alumnus Provides Deserving Students WITH A BURSARYMELISSA MUNGROOUKZN alumna Ms Simangele Msweli-Ratsoana, who is based in Kenya, has committed bursaries of R25 000 for three consecutive years to sponsor Honours students in the field of Biological Sciences, which will be facilitated by the UKZN Foundation. Msweli-Ratsoana, who currently serves as the Senior Manager of the Charles R. Wall Youth Leadership Program at the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), said, %u2018I know first- hand how financial barriers can limit opportunities. By providing this funding, I hope to alleviate some of the burdens that students carry and allow them to focus on their studies and personal growth.%u2019Since her family faced financial constraints, she understands the hardships that come with pursuing higher education. %u2018When I joined UKZN, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship from Isimangaliso Wetland Park for my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences. However, once my three years were up, I found myself facing uncertainty about how to fund my Honours studies.%u2019 She was determined not to let financial obstacles hold her back. Thanks to her lecturer Professor Steven Johnson%u2019s efforts, she secured funding for her postgraduate studies and later received a Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for her Masters in Biology. The support she received from Johnson made a profound difference in her life and career, inspiring her to make a personal commitment to pay it forward by providing funding to deserving students.Msweli-Ratsoana grew up in the rural village of Mfekayi in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, raised primarily by her grandmother after her mother gave birth to her at 17, who, as a cashier at that time, earned a modest R2 100 per month %u2013 an income far too small to cover university fees.The turning point in Msweli-Ratsoana%u2019s life came when she joined the Environmental Club at Masibonisane High School. Initially, she joined because it wasn%u2019t sport %u2013 something she struggled with %u2013 but what captured her heart was the way that the club connected environmental conservation to her own village. She grew up swimming in rivers and enjoying local fruit, only to witness the environment around her change. The club gave her a sense of purpose, showing her how she could contribute to preserving her beloved homeland%u2019s rivers, plants and animals.Msweli-Ratsoana knew that education was her only path out of poverty. From a young age, she dedicated herself to her studies, determined to earn a bursary that would allow her to continue her education. As the eldest of three children, she faced immense pressure %u2013 not only