Among this year’s autumn graduates were two individuals who emerged as excellent examples of how a helping hand at the right moment can make all the difference.

Keoagile (Louisa) Montwedi and Kamogelo Legane were the first two students who benefited from bursaries from the Keith Bothongo Foundation. Receiving their degrees was a proud moment for both new graduates. They proved they had what it took to benefit from the opportunities offered by their bursaries.

Montwedi graduated cum laude and plans to pursue an honours degree in Accounting Sciences. Kamogelo will also pursue an honours degree. Both students expressed their gratitude to the Foundation for enabling them to realise their dreams of obtaining degrees.

Mrs Olga Bothongo, chairperson of the Foundation, attended the graduation ceremony and said after the proceedings: ‘Education is key for South Africa and we make it a priority to support students in every way so that they can focus on their studies and excel. Our bursaries cover all costs for deserving students who have shown academic strength, but struggle to find the money they need to pursue their career dreams. We hope that by giving to the students, we will encourage them to give back to South Africa through mentorship, by inspiring others to succeed, or through donations to the University that [will] allow others to study too.’