Success Stories Archive

Featured Stories

Highlighting some of our most inspiring journeys and achievements.

All Stories

Explore the full collection of our inspiring success stories.

Celebrating Academic Excellence: Tuma Anathi

Tuma Anathi has achieved remarkable academic success, demonstrated by her certificates in the Mathematics Olympiad and a High School Quiz Competition. Her dedication sets a shining example for her peers.

Lilitha: Pursuing Civil Engineering at UJ

Lilitha is now pursuing her Civil Engineering degree at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). She aims to gain practical experience in the engineering field to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.

Sibabalwe: Top Learner and Future Doctor

Sibabalwe was ASF’s top learner in 2024, achieving a 90% aggregate in his matric final exams despite coming from an under-resourced school. He is now enrolled at Nelson Mandela University studying Medicine.

Dyani: Aspiring Legal Career

Dyani is planning to study law with hopes of becoming a judge. She is driven by a desire to address challenges faced by women in her community, aiming to make a significant difference in their lives.

Siyolise: Analytical Chemistry Journey

Sakhwe Siyolise, a 2021 matriculant from Hector Petersen Senior Secondary School, completed her basic schooling with sterling results. She is now in her 2nd year of studying Analytical Chemistry at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

E. Ntolo: Medical Laboratory Technology Graduate

E. Ntolo has successfully completed his studies in Medical Laboratory Technology, earning a professional qualification. He stands as an inspiring example of dedication and academic achievement.

FENI Emihle: Founder's Award Recipient & Computer Scientist

FENI Emihle, the very first recipient of the ASF Founder’s Award, achieved outstanding matric results in 2022 with distinctions in 7 subjects and is now in his 3rd year of Computer Science at UCT.

Nobathembu Mpetsheni: Chartered Accountant

Nobathembu Mpetsheni was born in the Eastern Cape, in Mdantsane. Due to her excellent academic performance and disadvantaged background, she obtained a bursary from African Scholars Fund and later qualified as a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) in 2018.

Patience Nombeko Mbava: Top Matric Student & MBA Holder

Patience Nombeko Mbava was the Top Matric Student in the Western Cape in 1991, which led to her receiving a prestigious scholarship to study at Smith College in the USA. She now holds an MBA and is a Senior Manager at a national public entity.

Sitembele James: Lecturer and Future CA(SA)

Sitembele James was funded by ASF during his high school days (2005-2006). He is now a Junior Lecturer at NMMU School of Accounting and is one exam away from achieving his Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) designation.

Simphiwe Plessie: Electrical Engineering Specialist

Simphiwe Plessie received an Eskom Engineering Bursary after matriculating and now works for Siemens Energy Services as a Generator Specialist Engineer, travelling internationally for training and pursuing a Masters degree at Wits University.

Denise Mkapuza: Business Analyst

Denise Mkapuza, a former ASF bursary holder, graduated from UCT with a Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Accounting) degree. She is now working as a Trainee Business Analyst at ShopriteCheckers and is pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Information Systems.

Mary-Lisa Vaaltyn: Physiotherapy Student

Mary-Lisa Vaaltyn, an old learner from Willowmore Secondary School, is currently a second-year Physiotherapy student at the University of the Western Cape, thanking ASF for their belief and support.

Arthur Mabentsela: Chemical Engineer

Arthur Mabentsela, a former ASF bursary recipient until 2002, is now a Chemical Engineer with Anglo Platinum, having graduated with honours in record time.

Thembinkosi Ngoma: Communications Specialist & Co-founder of UWC BushTV

Thembinkosi Kenneth Ngoma, a recipient of the ASF Bursary from 1992-1995, completed a BA Degree in Language and Communications at UWC. He is now a communications specialist and a co-founder of UWC’s BushTV.

Nontobeko: A Story of Reconnection

Nontobeko came from Guguletu and did very well in school with ASF support, but contact was lost for over 20 years until she sent a letter thanking the fund.