Top matric’s dreams to study come true

HOPE for a brighter future is in sight for top matric pupil Mlungisi Makhanya from Lungiso Secondary in KwaNomzamo, who can now afford to go to university thanks to a subsidised student loan.
The Rural Education Access Programme (REAP) last week awarded Makhanya with the student loan that would pay for his fees, as well as extra costs such as books, accommodation and basic living expenses.
Makhanya made history when he passed his matric final examinations with five distinctions last year. Our Times reported that although Makhanya had big dreams to study Mechatronics Engineering at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), he could not afford to do so.
REAP was made aware of Makhanya by the Masiphakameni paralegal advice office, who identified him as a student with great potential. Another matriculant from Lungiso, Sihle Koliti, was also nominated for financial assistance from REAP to study nursing, but the application has not been approved yet.
REAP representative, Nobuzwe Mofokeng, said that REAP enables young people from poor rural communities access to tertiary education.
“Through education young men and women can escape poverty and uplift their families,” she said.
REAP is in partnership with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to enable rural students access to higher education. Students can convert up to 40% of the loan to a bursary, and the interest rate is subsidised.
Makhanya had to meet a list of requirements to qualify for the REAP student loan. His family circumstances were taken into consideration, the knowledge of field of study, preparation for study, independence, coping skills, self motivation and self confidence.
Makhanya welcomed the news that he would be studying this year with great enthusiasm. “It‘s like a dream come true for me. Never did I imagine that some day I would go to university. I am still in shock about the news,” he said.
Makhanya added that he was ready to work hard.
“My course is very tough, but I think that I have already proved that anything is possible,” he said.

LAUREN HUMAN