Ten students from around the country are the second batch ofbursary 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 andthe 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 44000 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 concentratedon 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
DID YOU KNOW?
ASUS South Africa:
ASUS is a global technology leader known for innovation in the digital era. With a commitment to quality, design, and innovation, ASUS delivers a broad range of products, including laptops, desktops, smartphones, motherboards, graphics cards, and more.
HyperionDev:
HyperionDev is a leading provider of coding bootcamp for learners across South Africa, the UK, North America and Europe. With a focus on providing accessible and comprehensive coding education, HyperionDev empowers individuals to launch successful careers in technology.
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