South Africa: Association extends helping hand to ag students
Siseko Dunjwa hails from Butterworth in the Eastern Cape. He is one of six children, all sadly orphaned when their parents both passed away when Siseko was still young. After matriculating with a university exemption, Siseko decided to pursue his dream to work in the agricultural sector, and in 2014 enrolled at the University of Fort Hare for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Crop and Horticultural Science).
Siseko’s guardian is unemployed, and struggling to make ends meet. But this diligent student has not let this stand in his way. “I am passionate about horticulture and remain dedicated to my studies. I make it a priority to successfully complete every task I am given by performing at my utmost best,” Siseko says.
Raesetse Baloyi was born in the small rural village of Diphagane, Limpopo, where she was raised by her unemployed single mother. She matriculated from Mantlatle Secondary School in 2011, and enrolled at the University Of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences (Agricultural Economics) the following year.
Self-motivated, ambitious and smart, she achieves everything she puts her mind to. “I don’t believe my background should have an effect on my future plans,” says Raesetse, who was one of the top 10 learners in her circuit in Matric and head of her school’s learners’ representative council, and is currently an active member of the Golden Key International Honour Society for the top academic achievers and a UKZN academic mentor.
The Lindsey Milne bursary – instituted by Subtrop in honour of Dr Lindsey Milne in recognition of his tireless efforts and vast contribution to the South African subtropical fruit industry – is awarded to deserving students studying towards a BSc in agriculture, majoring in horticultural science or related fields.
It aims to not only help students who are passionate about agriculture, but struggling financially, to complete their studies, but ensure the sustainability of the industry by facilitating a continual flow of young agricultural graduates into the sector. A number of previous recipients of the bursary have already been successfully employed in the subtropical fruit industry.
For more information:
Lauren Anceriz/ Morongwa Seabela
Protactic Strategic Communications
Tel: +27 11 882 9272
Email: lauren@protactic.co.za/
morongwa@protactic.co.za