Miss South Africa 2023, Natasha Joubert, announced the second batch of bursary recipients benefiting from her educational advocacy campaign, the Natasha Joubert Collective.
The 10 students who will start their new educational journeys in Youth Month include Andisiwe Mhlanga (Gauteng), Bongane Zwane (Gauteng), Chantel Riba (Limpopo), Kedibone Metsing (Free State), Khanyisa Mhlongo (Gauteng), Lewellyn van Eeden (Gauteng), Rolivhuwa Funyufunyu (Gauteng), Tebogo Hlongwane (Western Cape), Tsholofelo Montsitsi (Gauteng), and Zethu Mokoena (Northern Cape).
Speaking about the initiative, Joubert expressed her excitement about offering scholarships to students.
“Youth Day falls in June, and the whole month will celebrate the contribution that young people have made to the struggle for freedom in South Africa. So I am delighted to be awarding these scholarships at this very apt time.
“In South Africa, where IT and technology remain the top employment sectors for earning potential, there are approximately 44 000 unfilled, entry-level digital vacancies. However, the demand for skilled professionals far outstrips the supply. The truth is that there is a severe skills shortage in the Rainbow Nation, exacerbated by deep socio-economic disparities, further deepening the real digital divide.
“Education remains a priority for the duration of my reign as Miss South Africa. With these bursaries, I have concentrated on improving digital skills, which are critical for the changing world of work.”
The chosen beneficiaries were also thrilled and optimistic about the potential of the opportunity to transform their lives.
Zwane, who hails from Soweto, was delighted to be one of the lucky 10. “I believe that coding is a journey that lasts a lifetime. It will enable me to continue learning and expanding my knowledge.”
Mokoena, from Kimberley in the Northern Cape, said: “The opportunity to participate in the ‘Full Stack Developer Bootcamp’ course is a wonderful opportunity for me.”
Hlongwane, who is studying at UWC, shared the same beliefs. “I come from Katlehong on the East Rand, but I refuse to let my background define or limit me. Coding has made a huge contribution to the 4IR, but with a very low rate of women involved.”
Joubert also partnered with HyperionDev and ASUS to enhance skills development and expand educational opportunities in South Africa earlier this year.
The Star