Absa Bank recently awarded a third-year LLB student at the University of Pretoria a bursary of R60 000.

Ms Ntendeni Penny Mugwedi (21) from Thohoyandou Block F said that she feels proud to receive financial assistance from Absa Bank towards her studies. She said that when she saw the advertisement of the bursary scheme at the office of the Dean of Students at the university, she decided to apply, but with little hope that she would be the lucky one.

According to her, she only discovered during the interviews that two of her classmates were also nominated for the bursary. Penny further added that, after the interviews, the personnel of Absa bank informed her that she was the overall winner of their R60 000 bursary.

"I view and value this as a great opportunity. Apart from my hard work towards my academic career, I regard myself as fortunate in life. I am overwhelmed and at the same time feeling extremely happy about this," she said.

The bursary covers everything towards her studies, including tuition fees. This academic year, she received half the amount of her bursary (R30 000), while the remaining amount will be paid next year. If she continues with her excellent academic performance, Mugwedi will complete her LLB next year.

As part of her bursary agreement, during the holidays, Mugwedi is accommodated to do her vacation work at the Compliance Department at Absa bank in Johannesburg.

"I am delighted about this offer because, after completing my studies, I am still going to be exposed to the field of Compliance within Absa bank, as they promised to offer me a job. I always try my best. I work very hard; as of now, I am already in love with the field of Compliance," said Mugwedi, who is thankful to Absa bank.