A celebration of excellence

On Saturday, 8 March, the garden of Glenara, the official residence of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) vice-chancellor, provided a fitting backdrop for a special occasion. The Vice-Chancellor’s Blue Carpet Scholarship Luncheon honoured students from diverse schools and backgrounds across South Africa, recognising their outstanding achievements, while offering a space for them to share their journeys, aspirations, and hopes for the future.

The event was a celebration of academic excellence, determination, and the promise of future leadership. Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela welcomed the scholars, relaying the significance of the scholarship and its role in attracting top academic talent to UCT.

“In total, we have 26 recipients of the UCT Vice-Chancellor’s Blue Carpet Scholarship,” he announced. “The scholarship is awarded to the top achievers in the country from the 2024 matric year. Immediately after the results come out, we put together a list of the top achievers. That list gets given to me, and I call each one of them, essentially encouraging them to come to UCT. I had a list of 37, and I spoke to all of them, managing to get 26 to choose UCT.”

Professor Moshabela underscored the importance of attracting the best minds to the university: “In the same way that we are looking for the most talented professors and academics, we also want the most talented students. We know that they are destined for great things in the future, and we must ensure they have the right support at UCT.”

Stories of triumph and determination

Beyond financial aid, the scholarship provides additional opportunities to nurture the scholars’ academic and leadership development.

“You have worked hard, and you will continue to work hard,” Moshabela reminded the students. “We want to ensure that you succeed. We want you to grow into leaders. We want you to become the best version of yourself. We have welcomed about 4 500 first-year students to UCT, but today, 26 of you are here because of your exceptional achievements.”

A highlight of the luncheon was the moment each scholar introduced themselves, sharing their backgrounds, ambitions, and aspirations. Their stories were testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Among the scholars was Msawenkosi Buthelezi from Zimisele Secondary School, who is pursuing an MBChB degree. His interest in neuroscience was sparked in Grade 9 when he began experiencing migraines. “I lost my father to a neurological stroke, and my mother suffers from cognitive impairments. I know how hard it is to study with headaches and neurological pain. That is why I want to make the world a better place.”

Lalamani Maselesele from Tshivhase Secondary School is majoring in astrophysics and physics but she also has an entrepreneurial spirit: “Where I live [in Limpopo], we do not have delivery services, so I decided to create one of my own. I am waiting for the result of a funding application.”

Rinono Mushwana from Mhinga Secondary School, an MBChB student, has a strong passion for mathematics. In Grade 9, he placed in the top 100 in the country in the South African Mathematics Olympiad.

Jessica Kelly from Thomas More College is pursuing a path in neuropsychology. “UCT is the only university in the country that offers it as a master’s programme. Psychology is the only field I have ever seen myself in.”

The scholars’ stories reflected a deep sense of purpose, a drive to contribute meaningfully to their respective fields, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.

Looking ahead

The luncheon was more than a celebration; it was a moment of inspiration and a reminder that the scholars’ journeys are just beginning. UCT, through the Vice-Chancellor’s Blue Carpet Scholarship, has provided them with a gateway to new possibilities, a community of support, and a platform to excel.

“For as long as I can remember, I knew that I wanted to go to UCT.”

Owethu Shangase from John Wesley Kosi Bay School is studying business science, majoring in actuarial science. He recalled his excitement upon receiving the vice-chancellor’s call. “For as long as I can remember, I knew that I wanted to go to UCT.”

Moshabela reaffirmed UCT’s commitment to nurturing the young minds. He expressed gratitude to the students’ families, teachers, and mentors, recognising the role they played in shaping the scholars’ success. “Their belief in your potential is what has brought you this far, and we at UCT will continue to support you in reaching even greater heights.”