Ten students from around the country are the second batch of bursary recipients to benefit
from reigning Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert’s educational advocacy campaign, the
Natasha Joubert Collective, and will, fittingly, start their new educational journeys in Youth
Month.
Earlier this year, Joubert partnered with HyperionDev, Southern Africa’s largest tech
education provider, and computer hardware company ASUS, to support skills development
and widen educational opportunities in South Africa. On offer were 10 coding scholarships
for selected students to join a comprehensive six-month full-stack web developer boot
camp.
The 10 selected are:
Andisiwe Mhlanga (Gauteng)
Bongane Zwane (Gauteng)
Chantel Riba (Limpopo)
Kedibone Metsing (Free State)
Khanyisa Mhlongo (Gauteng)
Llewellyn van Eeden (Gauteng)
Rolivhuwa Funyufunyu (Gauteng)
Tebogo Hlongwane (Western Cape)
Tsholofelo Montsitsi (Gauteng)
Zethu Mokoena (Northern Cape)
Explains Joubert: “Youth Day falls in June and the whole month will celebrate the
contribution that young people have made to the struggle for freedom in South Africa. So I
am delighted to be awarding these scholarships at this very apt time.
“In South Africa, where IT and technology remain the top employment sectors for earning
potential, there are approximately 44 000 unfilled, entry-level digital vacancies. However,
the demand for skilled professionals far outstrips supply. The truth is that there is a severe
skills shortage in the Rainbow Nation, exacerbated by deep socioeconomic disparities,
further deepening the real digital divide.
“Education remains a priority for the duration of my reign as Miss South Africa. With these
bursaries, I have concentrated on improving digital skills, which are critical for the changing
world of work.”
Adds Riaz Moola, CEO and founder of HyperionDev: “Tech skills development isn't just vital –
it's imperative for fostering sustainable economic growth and empowering our youth with
the necessary tools to thrive. Collaborative initiatives like these are examples of how we are
getting one step closer to narrowing the digital skills gap in South Africa. Our goal extends
beyond simply providing coding skills; we aspire to shape innovators and problem-solvers
who will drive the technological transformation of the nation.”
The 10 beneficiaries were delighted to have been chosen, believing that the opportunity
could change their lives.
Says Andisiwe Mhlanga from Brakpan: “Despite financial challenges, my passion for coding
drives me. Through self-study, I’ve explored HTML, CSS and Javascript, sustaining my
ambition to pursue a career in technology. This coding bursary represents an opportunity to
further my education and fulfil my dreams.”
These views are echoed by Tebogo Hlongwane, who is currently studying at the University
of the Western Cape: “I come from Katlehong on the East Rand but I refuse to let my
background define or limit me. Coding has made a huge contribution to the 4IR but with a
very low rate of women (involved). So, as a young woman who is willing to develop
different kinds of skills, I am grateful for this opportunity because I want to take up space in
the technology field.”
Bongane Zwane from Soweto was delighted to be one of the lucky 10: “I believe that coding
is a journey that lasts a lifetime. It will enable me to continue learning and expanding my
knowledge. Coding will also hone my problem-solving skills and encourage me to break
down complex problems into smaller, manageable pieces and develop elegant solutions.
These skills will not only be useful in programming but also in various aspects of life.”
Zethu Mokoena from Kimberly in the Northern Cape says: “The opportunity to participate in
the 'Full Stack Developer Bootcamp' course is a wonderful opportunity for me. My
participation in this programme will not only enhance my technical abilities but also provide
me with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the ever-evolving field of
technology.”
The last word goes to Brakpan’s Llewellyn van Eeden who says: “Having received six
distinctions in my matric year, I have a proven work ethic and eagerness to learn. However,
tertiary education in our country is quite expensive and is not always possible for middle to
lower income earners to further their education, so I decided to apply for a bursary. After
all, what is the point of this life if we are not helping others and building for the future?”
Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International.
S3 is the official broadcast partner.
Go to:
https://www.misssa.co.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissSouthAfricaOfficial
Twitter: @Official_MissSA
Instagram: @official_misssa
Tik-Tok: @official_misssa
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MissSouthAfricaOfficial
Social media handles:
Facebook: Natasha Joubert
Instagram: @natasha_joubert
X: @natashajoub
TikTok: @natasha_joubert
