Ithala has come to the rescue of an ambitious young learner whose dream of furthering his studies nearly collapsed due to lack of funds. Local student, Thembinkosi Mngomezulu realized his dream to study towards a financial qualification when Ithala Development Corporation awarded him a bursary to study at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).

 

Thembinkosi performed exceptionally well in 2010, matriculating at Ndlangamandla High School in Vryheid with distinctions in Economics, Business Studies, Accounting and Mathematics. 

 

Thembinkosi was also a participant in a winning team in Ithala’s Mayibuye Youth in Business programme.

 

Run in partnership with the Department of Education, Mayibuye provides an opportunity for Grade 12 learners from historically disadvantaged schools in KwaZulu-Natal, to present their business ideas with a view to starting their own enterprises.

 

Ithala’s development mandate speaks to the advancement of business entities and the development of previously disadvantaged individuals.  The motivation for Ithala to provide bursary support for this student was made in the context of Ithala’s developmental mandate. “Many learners face financial constraints and are unable to access study loans.  We are pleased that we have been able to make a difference for Thembinkosi by awarding the bursary within the scope of our corporate social investment programme which focuses on enterprise and skills development”, says Tozi Mthethwa, Divisional Manager of Ithala Group Marketing and Communications. 

 

An elated Thembinkosi stated: “I am happy to receive the bursary because I would not have been able to pursue my studies therefore I am very grateful to Ithala for this opportunity.”

 

“Empowering our youth to become meaningful contributors to our economy is in line with our mandate to drive economic development and empowerment within KwaZulu-Natal”, concluded Tozi.