The life of a young man from Madombidzha is changing at a rapid pace. Last year, his time was spent sitting behind a desk, studying hard for his final school exams. This year, armed with six distinctions, he is on his way to study Actuarial Science at a Cape Town university.

The 19-year-old Tshilidzi Muleya is one of the 2012 matrics who worked hard to make the most of the few opportunities they had. He is the pride of his family and of the Litshovhu High School in Madombidzha. His mother, Ms Tshiwela Muleya, reckons it is because of his dedication. She was grateful for the opportunity he now has to further his studies.

The reward for his achievements came from a local law practice, Hammann Moosa Incorporated. According to one of the senior partners, Mr Johann Hammann, they became aware of Tshilidzi’s achievement and decided to give him a bursary that will enable him to study for four years.

"You received this donation as a result of hard work and we are very proud of you,” Hamman said. According to him, his firm has fought tirelessly to improve the standard of education in the country, especially in rural areas. “This is part of our company’s mission of giving something back to the community. We hope other companies will learn that it is important to do something for the community because they are the ones who made us what we are today,” said Mr Hammann.

“I never thought something like this would actually happen to me one day," exclaimed the excited young man. Although very happy, he is also a bit nervous. Tshilidzi said it took a lot of effort for him to pass the exams with six distinctions. "I achieved all this through the Lord’s guidance. I will try not to disappoint my parents, the community and my donor,” he promised.