First Lady celebrates Unisa student’s achievement

In 1996, President Cyril Ramaphosa began supporting a small number of disadvantaged students with bursaries, so that they can attend university. He did this by donating the money he earned through his public speaking engagements. This developed into the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) in 2000. Some 23 years after the President sponsored his first bursary, a spectacular and growing hall of fame exists, replete with CRET‐enabled graduates, whose dreams to be highly-qualified professionals have come true.

Livhuwani Maphorogo, who graduated with a BA Honours degree in Psychology, is a young woman with a passion for supporting and building up other women. She is part of a non-profit organisation called Dare – Restoring Worth. This organisation seeks to empower girls and young women. They do this through various programmes such as mentorship, career days and offering educational programmes to help the young women improve their academic results.

Speaking after the graduation ceremony, Livhuwani praised the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust. ‘CRET has been extremely kind to me,’ she said, ‘and I cannot thank them enough for their amazing support throughout my academic career. They are an education trust that takes the wellbeing of their beneficiaries seriously. I have been fortunate enough to be a recipient of their funding, and I can truly say that their holistic approach to the development of young people was beyond my wildest expectations. They mentor you and encourage a passion for life-long learning, and in so doing, help to bring out the best in you. I definitely appreciated the multiple gatherings, where young people such as myself sat and shared stories and learned from one another, but most importantly I appreciate having been given a chance.’

Commenting on her study journey at Unisa, Livhuwani said that distance learning teaches one discipline and perseverance. ‘You have to have a renewed sense of purpose every day because your academic success is heavily reliant on you as an individual,’ she said. ‘Lecturers and study groups are very helpful. The academic standard is definitely one of the best.’

On her choice of psychology as field of study, Livhuwani said that it allowed her the opportunity to examine her life and to learn how important the understanding of oneself and others is. ‘Human behaviour is an incredible subject to explore,’ she said, ‘and I’m glad I find it interesting because it’s tremendously rewarding. I have every intention of registering for a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, further my studies and expand my knowledge in the field.’

In conclusion, Livhuwani said that learning and education are indispensable. ‘I believe that every young person deserves an opportunity to make something of themselves. We all deserve to have our dreams come true and being given a chance to succeed. Having the sun shine on you, even for a little while, feels great.