THOHOYANDOU - South African Airways (SAA) will fund Khumeleni Thavhiwa’s education and help him realize his dream of becoming a chartered accountant. SAA's corporate communication officer, Mr Happy Zondi, revealed this on Tuesday morning.

Hahira, 18, from the rural village of Ha-Mankato in Nzhelele, Northern Province, excelled in his Metric (Grade 12) by obtaining 100 percent in economics, another distinction in Accounting, two B’s for Tshifudi and English, a C for Mathematics and a D Afrikaans.

Through Mirror, highlighted his plight indicating that he did not have money to further his studies for this academic year. A then clearly frustrated Hahira said he was disappointed that he had worked hard hoping that he would not struggle to obtain a bursary as both of his parents do not work.

Fortunately enough, SAA came to his rescue by offering a full bursary for his studies. Speaking to Mirror on Tuesday, Zuni said they would finance Hahira’s full studies in Chartered Accounting, through the University of Cape Town until the final year provided he does not fail.

“When I saw Khumeleni’s story in the newspaper, I was touched. Although SAA does not normally award bursaries to external candidates, his was an exceptional case. I knew that we had a way to assist this young man and encourage others after him to work even harder,” said Wezi Khoza, SAA’s Executive Manager for Training and Development.

In addition, SAA will offer Thavhiwa three return tickets form Pietersburg to Cape Town, to enable him to travel to the University of Cape Town where he has been accepted to study towards his B-Comm degree.

Thavhiwa completed his matric last year but has so far been unable to further his studies after three of the companies that he had requested bursaries from turned him down. When he read about other students who were in a similar predicament, he contacted Mirror to assist in highlighting his plight.

“Since Grade 7, I have studied very hard because I knew my background was poor. I gave myself time for my books. I was very focused and disciplined. I also prayed and asked God to help me achieve my dream. I chose Chartered Accounting because I know that it is marketable career,” explains Thavhiwa.

Hard work has definitely been a key factor in Thavhiwa’s life. In 1999 he was selected best academic performer. A year later he was awarded a certificate for being the best English debate pupil in his region. As if this was not enough, Thavhiwa was recently awarded a trophy and a certificate by Education MEC, Joyce Mashamba for achieving A’s in commercial subjects.