University of Pretoria (UP) student Zeenat Patel, who is doing a master’s in environmental management in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, has been selected as a recipient of the 2023 Abe Bailey Travel Bursary. The selection was made based on her exceptional leadership qualities and community service.

The Abe Bailey Travel Bursary gives university students and junior academic staff the opportunity to visit the UK. It aims to cultivate future global leaders and supports excellent South African students who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities as well as a strong sense of responsibility in developing a robust capacity for interaction with international peers from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This year’s group comprises 16 students from various South African universities.

“I am passionate about community service and I have held various leadership roles, on the Students Representative Council and in my faculty house, among others,” Patel says. “The Abe Bailey Travel Bursary is an opportunity to make my voice heard and is a platform on which to challenge myself in an international setting.”

A high number of applications for the bursary was received and a thorough selection process was conducted. This included in-person interviews with the selection committee, which consisted of the University’s registrar, Professor Caroline Nicholson; the Deputy Vice-Principal for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Sunil Maharaj; deputy deans, and the deans of students and residences. The selection committee then recommended three students for additional evaluation by Abe Bailey trustees, who awarded Patel the bursary in recognition of her outstanding leadership abilities and volunteerism.

“Zeenat is a dynamic, forward-thinking young leader who appears to be well positioned to take advantage of every opportunity available to improve and broaden her experience. Furthermore, she is committed to enhancing the quality of life for others and making a positive difference,” said the selection committee.

They noted that she had balanced her demanding leadership role with her academic programme, ensuring that she remains focused on completing her degree within the minimum time.

“This careful balance is a skill that I started developing at undergraduate level, which I completed with an average of 84%,” Patel says. “I then went on to complete my BSc (Hons) in Geography and Environmental Sciences with distinction.”

The tour will commence on 28 November 2023 in Cape Town, where the group will spend a few days together before departing for London on 2 December.