In life things do not always go our way, we do not always get what we want, need or hope for, but we live by hope and it helped me. As I was applying for the Mathari Bursary, I just had hope that they would at least tell me if I do not qualify to get their funding rather than just keeping quiet and acting like they did not even get my application, but luckily they replied with a confirmation that I actually qualify. I am pleased with the way they have been treating me, the emails they send to wish me luck on my exams and also replying to all my emails. They make it clear what they want from me, and the never lose patience, if I have left out something important that they needed, they just inform me. They helped me out when no other company was willing to give me a chance and fund me, when all hope was lost of me ever completing my qualification, they came to my rescue. They did not ask for a lot of supporting documents, this is what gave me courage to apply for it, they did not take forever to pay for my accommodation and tuition fees. Their process was on point. I will forever be grateful to the company and I hope they continue giving out bursaries for other students to be able to continue with their studies, myself as well. Thank you for the helping hand and for empowering me this year.  

My name is Eugiania Khethani Ravele. I am a third year Town and Regional Planning student at the University of Johannesburg and will be graduating for my Diploma in 2018. I will also be doing my Btech in 2018. I am very ambitious and have big dreams and also know that hard work, dedication and the willingness to learn guarantees nothing but success and greatness. I had a comfortable upbringing but however lost my father to stroke in 2011. Life became very challenging especially financially. Going to varsity has always been a priority to me hence I enrolled at the University of Johannesburg in 2014/2015 despite the financial constrains I was faced with I was still highly determined to push through my situation so that I could create a brighter future for myself. It is very frustrating to have to deal with such, I have however learned that being from a disadvantaged background should only make one work harder and not distract them from reaching their full potential. I went through my first year studies in 2015 without funding, it was the most stressful time of my life but I never lost hope and I worked very hard. In the beginning of 2016 I heard about Mathari Trust, a bursary funding and empowering black girls. I got the bursary in March 2016 and I must say it was a life changing experience for me. The fees I owed for my first year were paid off, the fees for my second year and the rent for my accommodation was paid off as well. Having to live around campus is was a complete blessing as you get a lot done and do not have to stress about travelling a long distance and also having to make sure you wake up early enough to beat traffic and make it to class on time. Mathari Trust also paid for my accommodation for the year 2017 while I was doing my in-service training and completing my project work. Mathari Trust invested a lot into my education and for that I will forever be indebted to them because they believed in me and wanted to ensure that my potential did not go to waste. Hard work and persistence does indeed pay off. If it weren’t for Mathari Trust I would be working job to job or even sitting at home wasting my life away. Having been given this opportunity is something I will never forget. Today I am a Student Town and Regional planner and it is all because of Mathari Trust. I am going to make a difference in my community one day in the near future because I have been given the opportunity to finish my studies and better my life and because of Mathari Trust I will be one of the best black female town planners in the world. 

I am khutso Tsoai and am doing my 3rd year from extended building science programme .My first year of studying was hopeless ,I remember I didn’t have money for my fees ,but luckily I had money for registration . I attended all my classes and made sure I pass all my modules that year. My second year 2016 I went to school but they had blocked me that time so I could not register .I went to the department I told them my situation and that was when they told me about Mathari and they mentioned they only want 10 girls then I applied same time . I had faith in it.I still had to find money for registration .After 2 weeks I got a notification that mathari paid my fees including my first year once .I was overwhelmed, and motivated to do well and study hard so they can still help me finish my studies. This bursary changed my life together with my family .we all stopped stressing and am now confident with my school work. I want to continue with my Btech in quantity surveying. Thank you so much I appreciate it.
THANK YOU SO MUCH MATHARI BURSARY. 

I am Tshitangano Lindelani, a scholar at University of Johannesburg studying Industrial Engineering. I have been a beneficiary of the Mathari Trust Fund bursary for the past two years now and this trust fund has been nothing but helpful beyond measures. There was a time in my varsity life when I thought my future as an industrial engineer would be susceptible and threatened by lack of funds until I was informed about the Mathari Trust Fund that has been aimed at empowering upcoming female engineers. Just by understanding that this bursary was aimed at empowering female engineers, I was so inspired, and it motivated me to be an even better student because I wanted so much to be a part of this amazing movement.
This bursary changed my life in so many ways. Right then I knew I was not in varsity just to have a bright future but to also be an inspiration to other ladies who will one day wish to become female engineers. Just by being a recipient of this funding, I felt an even more need to finish my studies in record time because I did not have any excuses or any reason to not pass my modules well as my tuition and residence fees had been accounted for.
I would like to thank the bursary team for giving me the opportunity to further my studies without any mishaps. Your sponsorship and support is highly appreciated and I look forward to working with in the coming years.  

Mathari bursary a financial scheme created to fund black females, studying an engineering course and to let black females know that they can do any course that is male oriented. My name is Maidi Angela Mabulana, studying Building Science 3rd year at the University of Johannesburg. I became a beneficiary to this financial scheme in the year of 2017, the financial scheme has covered my tuition fees, accommodation and text book allowance, which then gave me hope for me to finish my studies and obtain a qualification in building science, and to let a black young female like myself to know that your future is possible and certainly secured with Mathari bursary. Mathari bursary changed my life the day they accepted my application, which then gave my parents a peace of mind as they were stressed on how they were going to cover my tuition fees and that of my younger sister this year. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mathari Bursary for funding my 2017 tuition fees, and hoping to still remain a beneficiary in the year 2018 as I will be continuing with my studies. A very big thank you to the investors of Mathari.

I am Mikateko Baloyi, a motivated student in chemical engineering at the university of Johannesburg. I appreciate this opportunity to introduce myself. I do not think that worlds will be able to express how thankful I am, but I will try my optimum best to express myself. I have been financially struggling with my fees and am thankful I never quite hoping that one day I will be able to live life without financial worries. The generous help of the bursary has given me an opportunity to be able to progress with my studies, to be able to get a certificate in the next coming years . Not only did it grant me a financial aid, but has also shown support. The bursary has honestly transformed my tears of sorrow into tears of joy. I will forever be grateful. 

My name is Mogau Lekgoathi, 21 years old female originally from a small township Lebowakgomo in Limpopo. I study National Diploma in Industrial engineering at the University of Johannesburg. I am Currently in my second year of study. Just like so many black young people, varsity for me seemed to be an impossible place to go because of financial constraints. I had to drop out of varsity in 2015 during the first semester, because my parents could not afford to pay for the fees and everything that I needed to progress at varsity. I have a twin sister who is also at varsity and honestly it was never going to be easy for my parents. Luckily for me in 2015 I decided to register for engineering and apply for the Mathari bursary and I was funded. Since the day I was a beneficiary of the bursary, every dream of mine of becoming a successful young woman in the engineering field and an influential person in society seemed to be possible. To study without worrying about my finance gives me a peaceful and encouraging feeling because it made my varsity life easy. This bursary has given me a head start for a better future and the most amazing thing about it is that it is reliable and they communicate with us very well. If it was not for this bursary I would have lost hope and I am very thankful to be a beneficiary of this bursary. I have no words that could ever show the gratitude and appreciation of how I feel. I pray that they continue with the amazing work they do, because this is not just a financial aid scheme but this is a great initiative that encourages and fills so much hope for disadvantaged students who are hoping to become something important and change this country of ours. 

I, Mokoena Phindile a student at the University of Johannesburg studying Civil Engineering. I started using Mathari bursary the year of 2017. When coming for my second year at the university I had no assurance that I was going to find any funding for my studies because for my first year I had to come to school not knowing how my studies were going to be financed but lucky enough I got a sponsor. Having Mathari as my bursary this year is being a great thing that has ever happened this year for me because I even had difficulty gathering money for registration. So I’d really say that having Mathari it is a blessing and it has made a big difference in my life because it give me an opportunity to study further and follow my dreams and I am very grateful. It makes me happy to see that there are companies like Mathari that empowers young women and want to see women move forward and making dreams come true. Academically, Mathari really came through for me, accommodation was paid for in no time, books were taken care of, everything was just good and all because of Mathari

My name is Nsovo Pearl Baloyi, I am 20 years old. I am currently enrolled for Civil Engineering at the University of Johannesburg. As a girl who grew up in a small village, I’ve always wanted to be one of the University of Johannesburg students regardless of my financial status. Pursuing a career in civil Engineering has always been my dream since high school, I have the desire of new challenges which engineering requires, I am also interested in structures. My goal is to complete my studies then have my own company and give back to the community.
I am honored and grateful to be one of the recipients of the Mathari Bursary. I’ve always worked hard in my studies ever since in high school but had the fear that my financial situation might prevent me from completing my studies and living my dreams since my parents had to take care of everything and everyone at home that they couldn’t afford to pay my fees.
Being awarded the Mathari bursary has lightened my financial burden. My longtime dream of becoming a civil engineer is moving forward. Knowing that I have a bursary encourages me to pay serious attention to my studies which allows me to work very hard on my studies so that I can get good marks to achieve my dreams in a good way. My life has been changed because I got the Mathari bursary which will help me continue with my studies without my financial problems keeping me at stake. Through your assistance I will see my tomorrow because you have made my financial burden lighter and you have not only helped me alone, also my family, community and the country at large since after completion of my studies, I will serve country as a way of ploughing back to the country. I thank Mathari for the generosity and support, I promise to work very hard and eventually give something back to others, both as a professional civil Engineer and possibly a scholarship to the future students like myself. 

Coming from a big family with financial struggles University was just a dream. I managed to enroll for 1st year but struggled throughout the year financially. I had lost hope that I will be able to register for my second year and that’s where Mathari Trust came in. I was notified by the University department that I am one of the chosen students to receive funding from the trust. I couldn’t believe it, suddenly I could see my future brightening, I had hope again. Mathari trust changed my life drastically. I can now study without worrying about my fees. I have all the textbooks I need and stay in the safest accommodation which would have not been possible if it was not for Mathari Trust. I am now more motivated to make something of myself because an opportunity like this only comes once. I am now positive about my life, goals and dreams. Thank you to Mathati Trust, I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for it. Thank you a million times.  

My name is Nyeleti Grace Mabunda. I am 20 years old and currently studying towards my National Diploma in Industrial Engineering at the University of Johannesburg. When I was accepted at the University in 2016 I did not have money to register I struggled and having to pay for my fees, accommodation and textbooks was a problem. I travelled from Tembisa to Johannesburg every day for the whole year of 2016.It was not a walk in a park I struggled to adapt to the transition from high school to tertiary and balancing my academics due to pressure and stressing about fees. A friend told me about this Mathari bursary and I applied for it. When I was awarded the bursary in 2017 I was very grateful because things were going to look good and indeed they did. I was really happy that I was one of the girls granted an opportunity to pursue their dreams despite of their backgrounds. There was light in everything. I had money for textbooks and other important study materials that I needed for the year. The accommodation was paid for and it was very close to school that made life easier for me because I could get access to anything at any time and it was very safe for a girl child. I had R0.00 amount due to the university that means my fees were paid for and I could get access to my examination marks. I did not have to worry about anything because everything was well taken care of all I had to worry about was making sure I study and pass my modules and the fact that I had to apply for the bursary every year actually pushed me to make sure I do not relax but keep on excelling so that I can be granted the opportunity the following year. I am grateful for the opportunity as a girl child to get funding for my studies so that I can increase the number of female Engineers the country has and most importantly be an engineer the country always wanted to have by giving the best. I can testify as a beneficiary that Mathari bursary had a major impact in my academic journey.

My name is Portia Mankga and I am currently 21 years of age, turning 22 in December this year. I am studying Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at the University of Johannesburg. Back before I received Mathari trust I used to struggle to pay my fees. I have been raised by a single mother and it had been financially difficult for my mother to cover all my tertiary institution costs. I wouldn’t have been where I am right now if it was not for the Mathari trust. Receiving the funding from Mathari trust made to believe on myself and even work harder to achieve my goals. I thank Mathari trust each day of my life for choosing me to be one of their beneficiaries, I thank them also for seeing the potential in me and for trusting me with their funds. Receiving the Mathari trust fund helped me tremendously. I try with my all being to obtain good marks so that I make the trust proud and also for them to be proud of me as one of their beneficiaries Mathari trust helped me to make my dreams come true. I have always struggled to pay my fees in due time but now that I am beneficiary of mathari trust all my fees have been paid off. I am very proud of the trust. The way that I am so grateful of Mathari trust I could go on and on about them the entire day. Mathari trust has been so good to me, I pledge to do my very best to exceed the trust’s expectation to me. Mathari trust took off the burden from my shoulders I am thankful to them and I study hard so that I don’t let the trust down also I don’t want their money to go to waste. Keep on doing the great work that you are doing Mathari trust 

My name is Princess Maseko, I’m currently studying at the University of Johannesburg. I became part of the family last year 2016 and this year I’m still using Mathari Bursary.
Before I had Mathari bursary I was using NSFAS and I had problems with books allowance not being enough and the accommodation money too which meant that my mother had to top up and she does not have any money. I am from a poor family and my mother was very happy when I told her that I am covered for tuition, books allowance and accommodation and she tried sending me food allowance even though sometimes she will send R1000 or R500 depending on how much she made in selling her products per month. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to have a sponsor. I also love the fact that money is paid at the beginning of the year which made me not to worry about my fees and being chased out at res because of not paying rent.
In conclusion, keep on sponsoring female students and try check us during the year because we need to hear from you and be motivated too. 

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the generous the bursary. I feel so fortunate to have been selected as a recipient of this honor. Your generosity has allowed me to pursue my dreams and for that I cannot thank you enough. I plan to continue my Building Science education and eventually build a career. My family financial conditions were not allowing me to pay for accommodation close to the university and safer not mentioning tuition fees and books but Mathari Bursary covered all of that. With this bursary your generosity and support has helped me focus on my academics without having to worry about the tuition fee from 2015 to this date. Thank you once again for your generosity. I promise I will work hard to prove myself worthy of this opportunity you have given me. I am looking forward to the day I am able to help other students just as you have help me. 

My name is Mbali Hlongwane. I am a 22 year old student from Ekangala in Bronkhorstspruit, currently doing my third and final year towards a BA in sport psychology at the University of Johannesburg. I have two other siblings (boys) who come after me. I arrived at UJ in 2015, and before I received a Mathari bursary, I was extremely anxious. I had no idea how my university fees, accommodation and study material would be paid for. I was not sure if I would finish my qualification. I had an intense fear that my dream of becoming a Biokineticist would remain just that, a dream, until I met an old friend who gave me hope and told me about Mathari bursary. My life changed the day I received the bursary. It was truly a blessing and a tremendous relief, not only for me but for my family as well. I was able to study peacefully and focus on achieving my goals and making my dream a reality because my mind was at ease knowing that I am receiving financial support. As a young black, aspired woman, I value the importance of education, because education leads to personal progress in the future, it makes us tough mentally, socially and intellectually by broadening our knowledge level and technical skills. It prepares us for the world of work later in life. I cannot imagine life without education. I really want to be an example to my siblings and prove to them that education is key, as I always motivate them to work hard and chase their dreams. I want to be a role model to them, someone they can always look up to. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for Mathari bursary. I really want to thank the Mathari bursary for giving me an opportunity to fulfil my dreams. I hope that it also provides other students who are less fortunate with the same opportunity and put smiles on their faces like it did on mine.