How to track your NSFAS application ZODIDI DANO Daniel Johannes Emmenis
Phumlani Zuma
Mcebo Lindokuhle Mthethwa
Eric Mavimbela
TECHNICAL SCIENCES TOP 3 TAMARA MAFILIKA
1ST PLACE Phumlani Zuma Nomathiya Technical High School, KwaZulu-Natal Phumlani advises the Class of 2021 to pursue their academic goals single-mindedly and choose their friends wisely, as distractions can cost them dearly. His tip is to study every day as if there’s a test the next. One of Phumlani’s greatest challenges was a lack of selfconfidence. When he attended his maths teacher, Mr Mdaka’s extra classes in Grade 9, his knowledge of the basics led to an improvement in his other subjects. In Grade 12, he held the top position in the class, and excelled in technical science and technical maths. Samwelisiwe, his elder sister, was a great source of inspiration. She matriculated from a rural school and went on to become a successful chemical engineer. His role model is Mxolisi Ntuli, a civil engineer whose character is exemplary. Phumlani intends studying mechanical engineering this year. This young achiever’s favourite quote is “I must show you how great I am.” –
Muhammed Ali. Phumlani’s vision is a corruption-free South Africa with a healthy economy and more job opportunities. 2ND PLACE Mcebo Lindokuhle Mthethwa Sibusiso High School, KwaZulu-Natal Mcebo was faced with many challenges throughout his school career, particularly after his father died. His grandfather’s pension grant was his family’s only source of income, but he remained determined to succeed and overcome the obstacles in his path. A career in civil engineering is Mcebo’s goal. He advises the Class of 2021 to work diligently and adhere to teachers’ instructions. Mdudeni Mtshali, Mcebo’s uncle, is his role model. He is the only educated person in the family and values education, and wants to share this gift with others. His character has left a great impression on his nephew. In Mcebo’s opinion, the education system should focus more on skills. Citizens should be able to create work for themselves. Self-
employed individuals would ease government’s burden by contributing to the economy. Mcebo’s favourite quote comes from Bill Gates: “If you are born poor it’s not your mistake, but if you die poor it’s your mistake.” 3RD PLACE Eric Mavimbela DD Mabuza Comprehensive School, Mpumalanga Besides tough family circumstances, poverty and bullying, Eric’s greatest challenge this year was the Covid-19 pandemic but his positive attitude and ability to adapt helped him to overcome the difficulties he experienced. His dream of being on the national top achievers list motivated him. He was inspired by his mother who, as a single parent, has been everything to him and his five siblings. His role model is his brother, Phumlani, who became like a father figure to him when their father died. He hopes to study further. Mentoring others is important to him. He lives by the motto, “Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work” and his advice to the Class of 2021 is to support one another, never stop learning and to stay true to their principles.
Sinoyolo Sisekelo Ngubane
Khadeejah Hansrod
South African Sign Language (Home Language) achievers TAMARA MAFILIKA
1ST PLACE Daniel Johannes Emmenis Transoranje – Skool vir Dowes, Gauteng Daniel ascribes his success to his educator and role model, Ms Jackie Oosthuizen. Her support helped him to overcome his hearing loss and to communicate using sign language. He aspires to be a teacher of deaf learners and believes all schools should teach South African Sign Language. To the Grade 12s of 2021 he says respect for their educators and a good work ethic is vital. 2ND PLACE Sinoyolo Sisekelo Ngubane Kwathintwa School for the Deaf, KwaZulu-Natal Sinoyolo’s mother was her greatest inspiration as she believed in her daughter and helped her to overcome the challenge of being deaf. Her South African Sign Language educator, Ms Z Moosa’s accomplishments have encouraged this young woman to enrol for a Bachelor of Education degree. She would like to teach young deaf children. She believes that other people’s limited perceptions should not define you. The message that
YOU have passed matric and secured a spot at a tertiary institution. The next step is secure funding. Applications to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) opened in September and closed on November 30, last year.
she would like to share with the Class of 2021 is that hard pays off and the sky is the limit. Her plea for South Africa is that the deaf people of this country be treated fairly – as equals.
Here’s how to check the status of your application: 1 Visit the NSFAS website and go to the student portal. 2 Insert your login details. You will be required to enter your ID and the password you created during your application. 3 Go to track the funding process.
3RD PLACE Khadeejah Hansrod Fulton School for the Deaf, KwaZulu-Natal Khadeejah’s greatest challenge was the strain caused by the Covid-19 lockdown. She is grateful for supportive teachers and her mother’s practical help. Her mother, Ayesha, is her greatest inspiration. She learnt sign language to communicate with her daughter early on. Khadeejah’s role model was her late grandfather, who always assisted others and played a significant role in shaping her strength of character. Her favourite quote is by Malcolm X: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” She aims study accounting at university. Her passion is a broader engagement with sign language and more opportunities for deaf learners. She advises the Class of 2021 to study consistently and not succumb to anxiety.
NSFAS terminology and what it means: Application submitted – Your application has been successfully loaded on to the system. Filtering – The system is checking your details, whether you are a returning student or have previous qualifications. Validation – The system is verifying details with Home Affairs and the South African Social Security Agency. Evaluation – Your other documents are being verified. Funding eligibility – The NSFAS is checking your household finances as stipulated in your application, to see whether you qualify. Awaiting academic results – The system is checking your results as well as the status of your admission at the institution to which you applied. Awaiting registration – The NSFAS is awaiting information about your application from your chosen institution, to enable them to create a bursary agreement. Sign off agreement – You need to sign off the bursary agreement. Payments – The allowance is paid through the NSFAS ewallet system or through your institution.
