On advise to other young people in this youth era
We would advise them to focus on bettering themselves, to equip themselves with skills and knowledge. We would ask them to forgive themselves for the mistakes they have made, and would also remind them that it is never too late to start working on changing their future. To focus on their mental health is key in these times we live in, encouragement to learn from their own mistakes and those of others where possible.
What is the importance of education, in your experience and how has it changed your life?
As the great Tat’Mandela said, “It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine; that a child of a farm worker can become the president of a great nation”. Education has opened doors that I never even knew existed. It has given me the chance to change my life and the lives of those around me. I can now step into places that I would have never stepped into if it was not for education.
Vision for the future after obtaining your qualifications
We see ourselves climbing up the corporate ladder and becoming executives and because both of us are in the same field of work we might one day have our own an establishment. We also see ourselves giving back to our community and empowering the future leaders of our country. We also see ourselves marrying and having families of our own.
How has the Siyandisa Foundation scholarship enhanced your lives?
The Siyandisa Foundation scholarship programme made it possible for us to get into the institution we’d dreamed of going to by giving us all the necessary resources and financial assistance needed to achieve that (they paid for career assessments, our tertiary application fees, NBT Tests and residence fees). We had unlimited access to the internet as well through the data provided in our scholarship package, and this meant that we were always able to search the internet for support material, we could study beyond what we could ever learn from school.
On “what you wish you knew before arriving at varsity?”
That it is okay to ask for help and not having to figure it all out on your own. Our wish is that we could have been more confident back then and certain about the chosen course, and not just doing something because of the "job title". Zukisa goes on to add,”I wish that I also knew myself better. In terms of weaknesses and strengths so that I chose an occupation that suited my personality best”.
What was your experience as first years?
Our first year experience was both exciting and challenging. Transitioning from high school to university was not that easy but we eventually adapted. Orientation week was the highlight of our first year. We made friends and went out and had lots of fun. Academics were also seriously challenging. But overall the experience was awesome.
How has being Campus Captains for the Siyandisa Programme made a positive difference in your life, if at all? Zuko
It has helped me to become a more caring person, it has helped me in the sense that I am now able to put others before myself and be able check up on others even when I am not well myself. That is another level of growth and I have learnt so much about peer-mentoring. It’s not always as simple as one thinks, but it is fun and I enjoy the responsibilities.
What are fun facts about being identical twins?
Identical twins do not always look alike. Identical twin genes do not necessarily run in the family like fraternal twins do. We have our own language. We do not have the same fingerprints.
Zuko Bangela is studying towards a BSc in Actuarial Sciences, and Zukisa Bangela is enrolled for B.Acc Science. Both are students at the University of the Witwatersrand, in Johannesburg respectively.