Upon release of the 2017 Matric Results, the Siyandisa Foundation paid R50,000 to each of the three top performing Siyandisa Foundation Scholarship Recipients – all ranked among the top 10 learners in the Free State.
These merit bursaries – awarded in addition to the cash prize of R1000 per matriculation distinction obtained which they have already received – are intended for use towards the recipients’ university studies. The three bursary recipients who have each received these R50,000bursaries based on their academic results in the 2017 matriculations examinations, are Phole Mofokeng from Mampoi Secondary School in Phuthaditjhaba; Refilwe Ester Selepe from Rantsane Secondary School in Phuthaditjhababa; and Gidion Lekgotla Mashiane from Tsebo Secondary School in Phuthaditjhaba.
This year Phole Mofokeng - ranked second overall in the Free State, with an outstanding performance of 100% in both Mathematics and Physical Science and achieving seven distinctions with an overall average of 93,2% - will study Actuarial Science at the University of Cape Town.
“I can't describe how happy I am to have been ranked second in the whole province. I'm deeply grateful for such an honour,” remarks Phole. He credits his parents, friends and teachers as being the most import contributors to this outstanding achievement. “The Siyandisa Foundation Scholarship Programme also enabled me to improve my English marks by having watching the video lectures which forms part of the scholarship offering.” He adds that he was ‘’ecstatic” at having received the R50,000 merit bursary on top of the R7,000 bursary awarded to him for his seven distinctions. “I'm still to draw up a budget on how I'm going to spend the money, but I intend on investing nearly 70% of the money, with the rest going towards what I’ll be needing for my studies.”
In turn Refilwe Ester Selepe - ranked third overall in the Free State, boasting eight distinctions and also achieving scores of 100% for Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Orientation with an overall average of 93.1% - is getting ready to study Medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand.
“It is great to be in the top 10 in the Free State, as this has always been my dream – to be a living example that through hard work and determination one can reach the best results. I also couldn’t have done it without the support of my teachers, school principal, family and friends. The Siyandisa Foundation Scholarship too contributed a lot to my achievements,” she said.
Last but not the least, Gidion Lekgotla Mashiane - ranked seventh overall in the Free State, walking away with seven distinctions, and achieving 97% for Physical Science, 93% for Life Orientation and 91% for Mathematics with an overall average of 89% - is to study Actuarial Science at the University of Cape Town.
“It is so rewarding to be able to say the hard work has finally paid off,” he exclaimed. “The Siyandisa Foundation merit bursary motived me to work especially hard, since it almost feels like I’m getting paid for doing good and smart work. It's a really good incentive.”