In the media

AfroCentric bursary offers to nurture medical students

01 June 2017

PRETORIA, May 30, 2017 - AfroCentric Group has spent almost a million towards bursaries on four students studying medicine, Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) at two Tshwane universities.

Three of the students, Tovhowani Mulovhedzi (17), Risuna Rivombo (18),  and Maggie Ramela, (23), are studying at University of Pretoria, while the fourth, Masana Baloyi (22), is at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, formerly Medical University of South Africa.

 All the students are from Limpopo Province. Mulovhedzi from Thohoyandou, completed her Grade 12 at Thohoyandou Secondary School, Rivombo from Vuwani (Tshikheva Christian School), Ramela (Taxila High School, Polokwane) while Masana Baloyi, from Malamulele completed her high school education at E.P.P Mhinga Secondary school.

“A relatively modest bursary could make a major impact on some young people's ability to pursue their ambitions. It could be the difference between creating a star performer for the health sector or a major missed opportunity,” said Grace Khoza, AfroCentric Group Executive Director of Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs.

“ By awarding these bursaries, we want to give credit to these dedicated young aspiring doctors for their excellent work and help them get their  careers off the ground," said Khoza at a bursaries handover ceremony at University of Pretoria.

Khoza said AfroCentric wish to reduce the skills shortage in the both the private and public health sector. “The vision is to provide access to quality healthcare and through these bursaries AfroCentric Group assists the country to provide access to healthcare,” she said.

Each student received R154 272 to cover expenses such as accommodation, tuition and a living allowance. The students also received laptops to assist them in their studies.

“The criteria applied to select the bursary recipients was on academic excellence and the financial need of the students. We congratulate these learners and we look forward to their contributions in making healthcare more sustainable in our country,” said Khoza.

Said Tovhowani on behalf of the four: “Education is key in achieving true economic emancipation. Advancement in the health sector will hopefully be achieved if the youth, particularly from the poorer communities, have the means to improve their prospects.”

“We thankful for the opportunities they have given us. We will forever be grateful for the life-changing gestures of goodwill,” said Tovhowani.