Patience

Patience was born and raised in Gugulethu. While she began her high school career at ID Mkhize, she eventually matriculated from Isilimela Comprehensive School in Langa. During her school years, Patience received support from the African Scholars Fund. This bursary required her to produce strong academic results every June and December to maintain her stipend. This financial assistance allowed her to assist her family by covering the costs of her own school uniforms and stationery. The schooling environment at the time was defined by significant uncertainty, including school boycotts, student marches, and a lack of basic resources. Despite these conditions, the organization provided a consistent anchor. Beyond the financial aid, the regular letters of encouragement from the fund motivated her to remain focused on her education as a means to change her circumstances. The impact of this support was significant. In Grade 12, Patience was the top matric student in the Western Cape. The foundation facilitated a scholarship to Smith College in the USA, where she graduated with a BA in Economics. Today, Patience holds an MBA from Stellenbosch Business School and serves as a Senior Manager at a national public entity. She credits her career trajectory to the foundation and mentorship provided by the late Dr. Margaret Elsworth during her formative years. By supporting a single scholar, the organization helps shift the expectations and outcomes for an entire professional life. Support the next generation of scholars. Link in bio to get involved.