Nine Eastern Cape students, four of whom are from Mdantsane, have been chosen to receive full scholarships to study any field of their choice in Romania, courtesy of The African Show Coalition Institute (Tasci) and the Romanian embassy.
The scholarship includes full coverage of their tuition, accommodation, and transport costs.
The students will also receive an allowance and medical aid.
Tasci founder and facilitator of the programme, Bathandwa Kwaba, said it was great watching their efforts all finally come together.
“We were looking for children who had passed matric well in 2023 but were not studying for whatever reason,” Kwaba said.
“We recruited and interviewed the students and settled on the nine who are traveling now.
“There were some logistical issues and we had to give the students time to raise funds for their flights.
“We had a good Samaritan by the name of Sibongile Gobile who, after hearing about the initiative and the needs of the students, personally paid for six tickets to assist with traveling costs.
“We are truly appreciative of the kind gesture.”
The first year of the programme will include learning about Romania, its culture and the language to ensure the students are well-prepared to study in the country.
The students have to pass the first year to qualify for their chosen courses.
The selected students matriculated from Philemon Ngcelwane High School in 2023.
One of the students, Sinovuyo Solwandle, who has chosen to study economics, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.
“When I found out, it was a beautiful shock.
“I chose economics because I loved it in high school. This is amazing for us as young people coming out of Mdantsane to have access to these kind of opportunities,” Solwandle said.
Her uncle, Monwabisi, said he was extremely proud of his niece.
He said she had always wanted to go overseas and the family came together to make sure her dream came true.
Another of the selected students, Hlonipha Neti, fell in love with accounting in high school and knew she wanted to study it as soon as the opportunity availed itself.
“I didn’t believe it at first. It still hasn’t sunk in completely. I’m excited to see what the future holds. I believe the opportunity will open doors for us and bring more opportunities.
“We can show others what you can achieve even if you come from the township,” Neti said.
Her overjoyed grandmother, Mandisa Gantana, said Neti deserved the opportunity because she was a well-mannered person who listened and worked hard.
Khonaye Ngxande has chosen to study international relations so that he can learn more about the world and return home with his skills.
“It almost feels too good to be true. This is the most exciting thing to ever happen to me.
“I want to learn about different cultures and see how other people live. I know I am going to enjoy this experience,” Ngxande said.
Phumza, Ngxande’s mother, said she was nervous about him traveling across the world by himself but she would trust and pray that he would be safe.
The fourth student selected, Yibanathi Ndlazi, will also be studying international relations.
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