First Uyinene Mrwetyana Scholarship recipient graduates

Four years ago, University of Cape Town (UCT) student Luhlanganiso Majebe, then 18, was announced as the first recipient of the Uyinene Mrwetyana Scholarship. On 3 April, she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in political studies and law.

The scholarship was established in honour of the late Uyinene Mrwetyana – a first-year UCT student whose life was cut short owing to a horrific murder at the Clareinch Post Office. The scholarship is an initiative of the Faculty of Humanities and has been set up in partnership with UCT’s Development and Alumni Department (DAD).

Luhlanganiso knows all too well about the circumstances that led to the establishment of the scholarship. “I remember seeing the banner asking, ‘Where is Nene?’ and that’s where we started having the conversation. I was head girl at the time [at Springfield Convent], and I had just been announced [in 2019] and I felt that it was my responsibility to have the conversation about what gender-based violence (GBV) is, particularly because I went to an all-girls school.”

She added: “Her story radicalised me in a way in that it not only gave me a sense of awareness but also a duty – and that culminated in the scholarship, meeting her family and people from the foundation. My duty is to carry her name and continue to make her be remembered,” Luhlanganiso reflected.

The scholarship was aimed at eligible students in the Faculty of Humanities. It provides wrap-around funding – covering tuition, textbooks, accommodation, and health and wellness – for the duration of the recipient’s undergraduate degree programme. As part of the scholarship agreement, Luhlanganiso needed to contribute to the work of the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation. It also necessitated that she enlists to volunteer at a non-profit organisation (NPO) whose work addresses GBV at community level.

When she was asked whether there was pressure in giving the scholarship a good name through not only the requirements of the scholarship, but through her own good deeds, Luhlanganiso was unwavering in her response: “Yes it was pressure because I was not representing myself. I’m representing her and her family. I’m representing what her name is. When I was in my first year, I didn’t understand the full scope of the responsibility. But I’ve grown within myself as I’ve been part of social initiatives and the spaces I’ve occupied in the university. It’s been necessary for me to be a voice for GBV, have tough conversations and take on leadership roles within the university and call out people who have been doing wrong.”

She continued: “One question I remember from the interview [for the scholarship] was ‘What is it about Uyinene’s story that touched me?’ and I’ll never forget the question because what I said was it was because of her identity, which was intersectional, and a lot of South Africans could relate.”

Congratulations and honours

The foundation congratulated Luhlanganiso on her graduation and told UCT News: “As she steps into the next chapter of her journey, we implore her to continue being a beacon of hope and a voice for justice among young people. The fight against GBVF [gender-based violence and femicide] is one that requires courageous and compassionate leaders, and we have no doubt that Luhlanganiso will continue to inspire and uplift others in her path.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to UCT for establishing this scholarship in remembrance of Uyinene. This initiative honours her legacy in a profound way and supports the next generation of changemakers who are committed to creating a safer and more just society. Luhlanganiso, you will always be an ambassador of the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation.”

Humanities dean, Professor Shose Kessi, weighed in on Luhlanganiso’s graduation: “Luhlanganiso Majebe was selected as the first recipient of the Uyinene Mrwetyana Scholarship due to her academic excellence and her strong alignment with the values that the scholarship upholds - resilience, leadership, and a commitment to social justice. Her journey has been inspiring, and her graduation is a significant milestone in honouring Uyinene’s legacy.”

Professor Kessi added: “This scholarship plays a vital role in keeping her memory alive by supporting and uplifting young women in academia. It is hoped that Luhlanganiso’s story will inspire future recipients to make meaningful contributions in their fields and communities.”

Perspective

Now, with one degree under her belt, there’s time to reflect on what can be described as satisfying years as a UCT student.

“Growing up in Cape Town, I’ve always had an interaction with UCT. There are a lot of people I knew before me who came here. I wanted a place that would give me a platform and access in order for me to achieve my career goals. I think I’m on the right track; when I look back at the last four years and the things I’ve achieved … I think I have something going for me.

“The UCT experience, once on the inside, is very much curated to your own experience. I am indebted to the university because of the experiences it has allowed me to gain through people I’ve met and opportunities I’ve had.”

“That space was impactful on me because it not only allowed me to facilitate the conversations with young girls but to also have the conversations with myself.”

She has also had some time with Justice Desk Africa – an award-winning human rights NPO that aims to empower, educate and equip members of society with the necessary tools to become agents of change, and to understand their human rights. There, she volunteered and interacted with girl children through different activities such as period poverty talks, self-defence and mental health among others.

“That space was impactful on me because it not only allowed me to facilitate the conversations with young girls but to also have the conversations with myself. What I loved about [Justice Desk Africa] is that when kids would go, we as volunteers would be reflective and look at how we operate within the space. It was profound, fun, entertaining and life changing.

“I would like to extend a big thank you to the Humanities faculty for taking a chance on me. I also want to say thank you to Uyinene’s family – especially her mother, Nomangwane Mrwetyana. She is someone I have been in contact with since first year and has continuously been supportive.”

Luhlanganiso’s UCT journey has not ended as she is currently busy with her two-year postgraduate LLB degree.