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UKZN Engineering Student Receives RECEIVES ABERDARE CABLES BURSARYMEET TOMORROW%u2019S LEADERSUKZN Electronic Engineering student, Ms Olwethu Sosibo, was recently awarded a bursary from Aberdare Cables, easing the financial burden of her academic journey and allowing her to pursue her passion for innovation and technology.Being accepted into university was both an exciting and daunting experience for Sosibo, but funding her education was challenging. While her parents have always been supportive of her academic aspirations, being self-funded made the process even more difficult. %u2018My academic path has not always been easy %u2013 I attended remedial schooling and had to overcome various obstacles. I not only conquered those challenges but also defied the stigma that students from remedial backgrounds cannot achieve great things,%u2019 said Sosibo.In high school, she shattered expectations by excelling in academics, taking on leadership roles in sports such as netball, and serving as head girl. Her background has shaped her motivation to succeed, as she has witnessed the struggles of her community and the impact of poverty on families like hers.%u2018My parents experienced poverty first-hand, and I see the same struggles when I return home. This reality fuels my drive to work hard and succeed,%u2019 she said.From a young age, Sosibo was encouraged to be curious and innovative, which ultimately led her to pursue a career in electronic engineering. %u2018Growing up, I aspired to develop innovative solutions to improve lives, and my studies now focus on applying engineering principles to real-world challenges through practical solutions.%u2019Beyond her academic pursuits, Sosibo enjoys sports, going to Ms Olwethu Sosibo. the gym, singing and playing the piano. Looking ahead, she hopes to use her engineering expertise to drive meaningful change and contribute to society through innovation.She acknowledged the critical role that bursaries play in enabling students to pursue their studies. %u2018The support of bursaries makes a huge difference for students like me. Knowing that companies believe in our dreams gives us hope. The bursary I received for my first year significantly eased the financial burden on my family.%u2019Her message to fellow students is one of perseverance and resilience: %u2018Embrace failure, stay resilient and remember that learning is a lifelong journey. Anything is possible with determination and the right opportunities.%u2019Thanks to the support of Aberdare Cables, Sosibo is one step closer to achieving her dream of using technology to make a difference in the world.* Aberdare Cables is Southern Africa%u2019s largest and leading supplier of intelligent energy inter connection products and services in Africa. Established in 1946, the company offers cable designs, product development, installation support, commissioning and diagnostic testing through their engineering service division.18 PHILANTHROPY MAGAZINE