Akhona Cekiso
Student / Beneficiary
“Resilience became my guide. Even when things didn’t go as planned like not being able to finish my Honours due to project availability, I stayed true to myself and kept pushing forward. Today, I’m working at Aspen in my first job in the industry, and I know it was this funding that opened the door. To my funders, thank you. You didn’t make a mistake in choosing me. Your bursary didn’t just help a student; it helped launch a life. Your investment will ripple forward in every step of my professional journey.”
Brilliant Thakgalo Theko
Student / Beneficiary
“At the time of my study at UJ, my mother was unemployed, and honestly, I didn’t even know how I was going to register. It was one of the most uncertain and stressful moments of my life. Receiving partial funding was a lifeline. It meant I could continue with my studies without the constant fear of being excluded due to finances.”
Vukona Gavin Mbhalati
Student / Beneficiary
“Despite applying for general bursaries with little success, I was fortunate to be selected for the Optimi Bursary, which covered the remaining balance. This made all the difference, I could finally access my results, graduate, and receive my certificate. That certificate became my ticket to actively job-hunt and apply for opportunities with confidence. More importantly, I was able to register for my Honours degree, which I am currently pursuing. This financial relief lifted a heavy burden from me and my family.”
Netshidzivhani, Tshikalange
Donor
“I support the University of Johannesburg because that’s where I earned the qualification that opened doors for me professionally.”
Dr. Elizabeth Nkosi
Donor
“I find satisfaction in supporting others and helping them realise their dreams.”
Sibahle Mbatha
Student
“The support gave me a sense of responsibility to make the most of the opportunity, not only for myself but also for the communities I want to contribute back to.”
Thandokuhle Mncube
Student
“Your support gave me hope during a time when I felt uncertain, and the freedom to fully focus on my studies and achieve the marks I was aimed for.”
MJ Mvelase
Donor
“Students are like my customers. They are the people I serve. It is very difficult to serve students who suffer because they cannot concentrate, not because they are incapable, but because they have no energy. They focus more on their problems. I enjoy giving a small part of what I have but knowing that the impact will be enormous. It's important to pool resources and help where we can. ”
Nolitha Madai
Donor
“I think it's important to donate. I would apply it in general to life in any applicable scenario. It is important to do what you can within your means. We are people that live in the society. We see where the need is. And if you can, whether you received assistance or got a hand up when you were in need or not, it's important just to be able to pay it forward just for that reason. ”
Mangaliso Bala
Student / Benefiary
“I would like to convey my sincere appreciation. Your kindness influenced my future in addition to helping me with my studies. I was able to concentrate, succeed, and develop both intellectually and personally because of Tiso skills bursary. ”
Muvhuya Tshiswaise
Student / Benefiary
“When I got a call from UJ I thought they were going to remind me of outstanding fees not knowing it was an internal bursary, as someone who hasn’t received any source and type of funding it changed my life because I didn’t know how much parents were going to cover my fees, and it wagered me to keep pushing. It is the reason why I keep going that hard work does pay off and that when I feel like I’m not doing enough it reminds me that UJ saw me that I was trying and gave me support. I would love to thank the opportunity of being considered and being seen as deserving. ”
Ankonisaho Nephalama
Student / Benefiary
“. Today, I am proud to say that I am doing my internship at Henkel as an on-site technician. Being part of Henkel has not only allowed me to apply what I learned at UJ, but it has also given me valuable workplace experience that is shaping me into the engineer I aspire to be. For me, this is proof that Henkel’s support goes far beyond education — it also opens doors to real career opportunities. Receiving this kind of support means the world to me. It showed me that where I come from does not define where I can go. ”