Engineering graduand pays it forward

Vuyiseka Nandi will graduate in April thanks to the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment’s (EBE) Student in Distress Fund. With a job lined up, the electrical engineer is keen to give back to the fund to pave the way for others.

Nandi was born in Johannesburg and started her schooling there, but after her father’s death her family moved to King Williamʼs Town in the Eastern Cape. She completed matric in George before travelling south to enrol at UCT.

But Nandi faltered when she failed a third-year course. As a result, she didn’t graduate in the allotted time and lost her sponsor. She was also unable to qualify for UCT financial aid and didn’t get a place in residence.

Things looked hopeless, she says, until a member of UCT’s cleaning services, Gladys Stuurman (who is now a retiree), learnt of her plight and offered her a place to stay.

“But I still struggled to afford taxi fare as she stayed far.”

Relief from financial burden

Fortunately, in 2016 Nandi heard about the faculty’s Student in Distress Fund.

“I would get a Pick n Pay food voucher every month to buy food and toiletries and contribute to the lady that was assisting me with accommodation.I also got a transport allowance every month to travel to school and back home. In 2017 the fund helped me to pay for my studies, res fees as well as my food.

“I was relieved of all my financial burdens and was able to be normal again, like other students.”

“I was relieved of all my financial burdens and was able to be normal again, like other students.”

Relieved of these stressors, Nandi completed her studies. With graduation just a week away, she is looking to the future.

“Now that I already have a job I want to give back to the fund by assisting in any way I can to ensure that other students are able to realise their dreams, just like me.”

Encouraging students facing similar challenges she adds, “Help is always available. Use all the channels and facilities at your disposal. Find someone that you can trust and share your problems with and they might just be the person to help. Don’t suffer in silence.

“I’m very grateful to the EBE Distress Fund. If it wasn't for that support I would not have been where I am today. Keep up the good work!”