MAKHADO – After meeting the requirements of the Makhado municipal bursary scheme last year, Nkhensani Gabeni (20) was adamant that she would enrol for electrical engineering this academic year.

Her dream was overshadowed by dark clouds, after she was told to try elsewhere, after handing over her grade 12 statement of results at the Municipality on Monday (January 5).

Nkhensani, who stays with her granny and a younger sister, matriculated at Waterval High in 2002, but failed to fulfil her dream of studying electrical engineering, due to financial constraints, resulting in her spending the whole year doing nothing at home. When the Makhado Municipality launched the bursary scheme to aid grade 12 learners who want to specialise in electrical engineering, information technology and civil engineering, she sent through her application.

After spending sleepless nights, praying that her application would be considered, she was over the moon on September 22, 2003, when it was indicated that she had met all the requirements and that her application was being considered. But when she went to the Municipality on Monday at the Municipality to hand over her statement of results, she was told that the bursary was meant for learners who matriculated in the 2003 academic year, not 2002.

“In my application, I stated it very clear that I matriculated in 2002, and my application was considered, but now I am shocked and disappointed. My dream of going to university is fading,” she complained. She said that the strategy of the Municipality of taking her out, even though she qualified, would make her remain amongst the poorest of the poor. “I also want to be accommodated, because when I complete my degree, I am not the one who is going to benefit, but the whole community. With her pension grant, my granny cannot afford to pay tuition fees. Please, I need someone to help me, and I want to study.”

Nkhensani has a C in English 2nd language HG, an E in Physical Science HG, a B in Mathematics SG and a D in Biology HG.