Two disadvantaged pupils, whose dreams of ever studying at university had faded, have received a lease on life when they were given full bursaries to study at Univen.

The two, Oupa Magane and Nontobeko Mokoena, could not go to university because of a lack of funds. They were on cloud nine when they heard that all their expenses to study at the University of Venda were being paid in full, thanks to the Departtment of Economic Development and Tourism, who rescued them.

The good news was broken to the two by Matamela Matanga, a senior manager in the office of the MEC, Pitsi Moloto, and his entourage who visited the university and paid up the bill. The two, both aged 18, attended Segolele Senior Secondary and they were the only two who passed with matric exemption among the 120 who wrote in 2011.

Mr Matamela Matanga, a senior manager in the office of the MEC, said they visited Sekgolele School as part of their back-to-school campaign with the MEC. “On arrival at the school, we were told only two pupils out of 120 had managed to pass with matric exemption. Further enquiries revealed that the two are from disadvantaged backgrounds and that their parents could not afford to send them to university," he said.

He said that, after a careful assessment, they decided to give the two full bursaries. “We have taken it upon ourselves to support them throughout their studies, but that will depend on their academic performance,” he said.

He said the department was also assisting 193 students at different levels of tertiary education.

Oupa Magane said he had given up all hope of ever attending university. “I am from a very poor background and my parents cannot afford me a decent education. When I was doing my Grade 12, I kept on praying that a Good Samaritan would come along and assist me with my schooling. I am very excited that, at long last, I will be able to achieve my dreams," he added.