The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), has awarded 12 South African scholars with Master’s and PhD scholarships to study in the UK from September 2019. Commonwealth Scholarships are fully funded for students within the Commonwealth countries/region.
The 2019 Commonwealth scholars are a diverse group of South African citizens specialising in different fields of study. However, they all have a shared passion to tackle global development challenges – helping to transform societies and build a safer healthier more prosperous world for all.
Commonwealth scholarships are offered based on the potential of individuals to achieve impact in one of six development related areas -Science and technology; Strengthening health systems and capacity; Promoting global prosperity; Strengthening global peace, security and governance; Strengthening resilience and response to crises and Access inclusion and opportunity. These are also aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The 12 South African scholars recently awarded the scholarships to pursue Master’s and PhD’s in the UK have a strong desire to use this opportunity to make a difference in the economic and social development of South Africa.
In preparation for their departure the British Council - the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, hosted a pre-departure briefing on behalf of the CSC for the 2019 Commonwealth scholars. The event was supported by the nominating agency which is the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology.
The event was attended by representatives from the Department of Higher Education, UKVI, Commonwealth Alumni, British Council representatives as well as the scholars. It was an opportunity and platform for the scholars to ask questions and gain clarity on areas of uncertainty pertaining to their travelling, expectations and support from all parties involved.
The CSC in the UK awards over 900 scholarships and fellowships for postgraduate study and professional development to Commonwealth citizens each year. The CSC aims to contribute to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, support excellence in UK higher education, and sustain the principles of the Commonwealth. The CSC selects candidates based on merit and their potential to contribute to the needs of their home countries.
Commonwealth scholarships and fellowships in the UK are funded by the Department for International Development (for developing Commonwealth countries) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. It also receives funding from the Scottish Government (for developed Commonwealth countries) while working with the UK universities.
British Council South Africa Deputy Director Yani Horn said, “Studying abroad is an excellent way to expand student horizons, experience new things, meet people from all over the world and gain an international education”. She added that the British Council is extremely proud to be part of such a momentous opportunity.
In her final words to the scholars, she added “Our expectation is that you will come back - bring back the knowledge and be the change we need to see in our country and for the future generation to lead by example”.
The keynote speaker was Ghaleeb Jeppie, who is the Chief Director for International Relations at DHET. He also congratulated the scholars and said “You have the responsibility now to commit yourself to your studies, to hard work, to represent the best of South Africa in the best possible way and to recommit yourselves to working towards the development of our country.
Although you are there to pursue excellence in education, don’t be limited by the walls where you find yourself. Explore and learn about the new environment you are in, participate in what the institutions have to offer and just enjoy the unique experience. We hope that from this group some of you will enter the realm of academia and on that note, we wish you a wonderful experience and know that it will be the best time of your life.”
Commonwealth Scholarship Alumnus, Paballo Chauke shared some valuable advice saying, “This opportunity is really a once in a lifetime experience. Make use of it to explore and expand. As an alumnus, I know very well the benefits of being part of this programme. One such benefit is becoming part of a greater support structure who has provided you with a platform to travel abroad whilst transforming your mind through education. Do not get lost and don’t forget to live in every moment and experience that it has to offer. Upon return, come home with a plan and be the change you want to see.”
Tshepo Monakedi is a town planner in Polokwane
He is off to the University of Sheffield to study a master’s in urban and regional planning. He said “I aspire to play a vital role in governance structures at national, regional and global levels. As the status of the nation shifts, I will be in a position to understand things better and contribute”.
Sam van Heerden is passionate about social justice
She is moving to the University of Edinburgh to study a Master of Philosophy in Ethics. She said “I will consider working for NGO’s or becoming an Academic. I will be writing articles that are accessible, translating academic work on contemporary issues into accessible language”.
Joy Masilo just completed her Master’s degree at the University of Witwatersrand
In September Joy will be moving to Imperial College London to pursue a PhD in Chemical engineering. She says she is proud to be a Black South African Woman with a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Joy has a passion to fulfil our nation's energy demands - As per SDGs. She said “ I want to find ways to develop and improve devices, working as a consultant/mediator for access in various communities”.
About the British CSC
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is an international programme under which Commonwealth countries offer scholarships and fellowships to citizens of other member states. The CSFP was established by Commonwealth education ministers at their first conference in 1959. Since then, Commonwealth Scholarships have become one of the most prestigious and best-known international scholarship schemes. Over 35,000 individuals have benefited.
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is an international programme under which Commonwealth countries offer scholarships and fellowships to citizens of other member states. The CSFP was established by Commonwealth education ministers at their first conference in 1959. Since then, Commonwealth Scholarships have become one of the most prestigious and best-known international scholarship schemes. Over 35,000 individuals have benefited.