Languages: 
The spirit of Ubuntu is at the centre of the 2022 registration at Walter Sisulu University as students assist each other to register.
Amyoli Simani, a Bachelor of Medicine first year student at WSU was rejected by all the funding organisations she applied to.
Dr Mzukisi Kolosa, Head of Selections and Admissions in the Faculty of Health Sciences and fellow Bachelor of Medicine students came together to raise the required registration fee for Simani.
“After achieving very good marks for my NSC examinations, I found out that all bursaries I applied for rejected my applications. With my mother being an unemployed university student and my father being the sole breadwinner for my family, the chances of me fulfilling my dream of becoming a medical doctor were almost non-existent,” said Simani.
She further added that she reached out to Dr Kolosa and told him about her story, she was later informed that a group of WSU medical students raised funds for her to register.
“Their act of kindness and generosity really changed my outlook on life. Despite the fact that they do not know me, they were still able to take me one step closer to my goal. I am forever grateful for the opportunity,” concluded Simani.
In all the news surrounding tertiary education and university fees, a term that comes up often is the 'missing middle', Simani’s situation was no exception. The missing middle are those too poor to afford university themselves but also not poor enough to qualify for government funding.
Ntandokazi Nodada, 5th year Bachelor of Medicine student and donor, said, “I was motivated to donate because I know how stressful it is to go through the first year of university, especially coming from an economically disadvantaged background.”
Nodada further added that this was an opportunity for her to assist in getting a brilliant girl child into school to better her life and that of her family.
Kolosa who was touched by Simani’s story was very thrilled when he spoke to his students and received positive response from them.
“It always weighs heavily on my shoulder to witness socioeconomic circumstances thwarting the academic aspirations of the youth. Empowering a girl has even deeper meaning towards the emancipation of entire households,” said Kolosa.
While Simani’s parents still cannot believe the act of kindness done by Simani’s new academic family for them, they still have a sum of R32 730 that they need to raise for her tuition.
If anyone is interested in assisting the family with contributions towards the tuition fee, they can donate using the Advancement office account with the reference Amyoli Simani.
- Anita Roji
