The 15-year-old Rofhiwa Mukhondo of Thohoyandou P-West is very excited and optimistic about her future after she was announced as the winner of the first Thandulwazi Galactic Unite Africa Scholarship.

The scholarship is “designed to support students with strong language proficiency and academic excellence with particular achievement in science and mathematics”.

A Grade 10 pupil at St Stithians Girls College, Rofhiwa was in Grade 9 at Lee Rand High School on the East Rand when she was awarded the three-year scholarship programme (2014 to 2016) late last year. “I still get goose bumps when I think of how big and great this scholarship is,” said Rofhiwa. “Every now and then I have to pinch myself to realise that I'm not stuck in an illusion but am facing reality.”

A high achiever academically, Rofhiwa enjoys writing poetry and drama and plans to study neurology once she has completed Grade 12. “I want to become an esteemed neurosurgeon, a passion I hold very close to my heart,” she said.

In her letter of appreciation, Rofhiwa thanked the Thandulwazi Galactic Unite Africa Scholarship and St Stithians Girls College, which accommodated her as a recipient. “I can only show my gratitude towards all of you by not only excelling, but also exceeding the expectations that we have agreed upon,” she wrote.

Rofhiwa first managed to submit her name among the top 50 candidates from a pool of around 4 000 girls who had applied for a scholarship to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy. “When I was told I hadn't made it, I felt crushed and hopeless,” she remembered. “Little did I know that it was just a test to prepare me for this moment.”

Rofhiwa received a warm welcome at St Stithians Girls' College. “In our opinion, Rofhiwa is a worthy recipient of this scholarship and will make the most of the opportunities offered to her,” said Bev Johnson, St Sithian's Foundation director. “In our opinion, Rofhiwa is a mature, intelligent, creative young woman.”

Rofhiwa currently lives with her older brother and his wife. Her mother, who was a music teacher, passed away in 2008.