Tell us about it.
My most interesting subject has got to
be physics. It’s also been a challenging
and fascinating experience being able to
use a computer for the first time. I really
have learned so much and look forward to
learning a lot more.
If you hadn’t been awarded your SANRAL
bursary, what do you think you’d be doing
this year? What was the back-up plan?
Had SANRAL not funded me, my mother was
planning on leaving her job in order to use
her pay-out to fund my studies. I didn’t want
her to do this as my younger siblings need to
eat and be educated as well, but there really
wasn’t an alternative. I’m more than relieved
that she didn’t have to resign and that I’ll
soon be able to help out at home. I want to
thank my parents for being so supportive.
Had my mother not helped me with the
bursary application I wouldn’t be here. I also
appreciate the assistance I received from my
bursary administrator at SANRAL, Rhona
Erasmus.
What does your SANRAL bursary pay for
other than your tuition?
Besides tuition, the bursary covers food,
accommodation, textbooks and a basic
allowance.
Nineteen-year old Khomotjo Godliver
Mokgotho from Mmotong in Limpopo is
doing her first-year BSc Civil Engineering at
Wits University.
What drew you to Civil Engineering?
What did you hope to learn?
My dad runs a welding business. Despite
being physically unable to walk upright
and carry heavy tools, he works very hard
to look after the family welding beautiful
gates and the likes. Unfortunately, because
of his physique and financial constraints, he
was unable to attain a formal qualification.
However, he is a great inspiration and
because of him I was interested in working with tools from a young age. I really enjoy
working outdoors and can’t imagine being
stuck in an office job! I love creating new
things and hope to expand on this in future.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve
learned in your curriculum this semester?
Tell us about it?
Physics! I liked the subject in high school;
my science teacher was a great inspiration
and made learning seem so easy. Other
learners used to say it’s so difficult, but it’s
simply a matter of putting in the work! Even
today it’s still my favourite learning area and
I’m eager to master it. I must admit though
that mechanics and drawing take the cup.
Although I’m not that good at drawing, I
really love it!
If you hadn’t been awarded your SANRAL
bursary, what do you think you’d be doing
this year? What was the back-up plan?
If SANRAL didn’t fund me I would’ve taken
a gap year, focused on getting a job so I
could help out at home. I wasn’t planning
on enrolling at a university but I’m really
glad I did! If it wasn’t for my high school
teacher who helped me with the application
I wouldn’t be here today. I really want to
help my siblings get educated because
it’s so important. I come from a family of
eight and it motivates me that they are all
so proud of my commitment to make it in
this male-dominated industry. After the
bursary induction at SANRAL, I was even
more motivated after this very young female
engineer shared her experience as a woman
in the industry in a room full of men. I aim
to work hard so people don’t take me lightly
because I’m a woman.
What does your SANRAL bursary pay for
other than your tuition?
Besides tuition, the SANRAL bursary covers
food, accommodation, textbooks and a basic
allowance which allows me to be like all the
other students.