Siwaphiwe Notshaya, a 25-year-old third-year Bachelor of Pharmacy student at Rhodes University, is a testament to resilience and determination. Raised in the rural village of Ntabankulu, her childhood was shaped by the challenges of poverty and limited access to the outside world. For much of her early life, the world beyond her village seemed distant and inaccessible, until 2010, when her family finally received electricity. It was then, as she watched television for the first time, that Siwaphiwe began to dream of a future different from the one she had known.
The loss of her father in 2012 marked a significant turning point in Siwaphiwe’s life. Her mother, relying on an old age grant and a child support grant, faced immense struggles to provide for the family. Despite these hardships, Siwaphiwe’s academic potential shone through. Her dedication to her studies earned her a place at Walter Sisulu University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Practice. Her exceptional academic performance did not go unnoticed; she was awarded the Eastern Cape Department of Health bursary, which funded her studies from 2017 to 2019.
After graduating, Siwaphiwe began working as a clinical associate at Dordrecht Hospital. It was here that her curiosity about medications and their effects grew, leading her to consider a career in pharmacy. The guidance she received from the hospital’s pharmacist further cemented her decision. Determined to pursue this new path, she resigned from her job and applied to Rhodes University, an institution renowned for its pharmacy programme.
However, Siwaphiwe’s journey was far from easy. Resigning from her job meant that she no longer had a steady income, and she had to rely on her savings and part-time work to support herself. By the time she reached her second year of pharmacy studies, her savings were exhausted, and the fear of dropping out loomed large. In desperation, she sought help from the university’s staff. Her perseverance was rewarded in 2024 when she was awarded The Hillensberg Bursary, which lifted the financial burden and allowed her to continue her studies.
Receiving the bursary was a pivotal moment for Siwaphiwe. It not only enabled her to remain in school but also brought her closer to her dream of becoming the first pharmacist in her village. She draws inspiration from the children and young people of Ntabankulu, working hard to show them that their circumstances do not define their future. “Believe in yourself,” she urges them. “Nelson Mandela once said, ‘It all seems impossible until it’s done.’ If you work hard and put your mind to something, it will find a way of becoming a reality.”
Siwaphiwe is immensely proud to be part of Rhodes University’s 120-year legacy. Her time at the university has shown her that she is as deserving and capable as any other student, regardless of her background. She passionately appeals to potential funders to support students like herself, emphasising that their contributions do more than just assist individuals—they bring hope to entire families and communities. “By funding education, you’re not just helping a student; you’re turning dreams into reality and inspiring future generations,” she affirms.
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