Rhodes University has launched the Makabongwe Ndzwayiba scholarship in recognition of his courageous fight against cancer and his remarkable academic achievements. The Scholarship is valued at R50 000.
During his graduation address Dr Saleem Badat, Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, said that the Scholarship will honour Ndzwayiba’s memory and support a Rhodes student who overcomes significant hardships.
He said that Ndzwayiba touched many lives in the three years that he spent at Rhodes University and Allan Webb Hall specifically. “A remarkable student, who was an inspiration to all who came to know him, Makabongwe was looking forward to graduating this evening with a Bachelor of Economics degree,” he said.
Sadly, Ndzwayiba passed away two weeks ago and his three-year courageous battle with cancer ended. “We were on standby to award him his degree wherever he was but, tragically, he declined very rapidly and the end came very fast,” Badat said. “He was buried in his Rhodes graduation gown and hood.”
Ndzwayiba excelled in his studies despite the hardships with his illness. Prof. Gavin Keeton of the Rhodes University Economics Department commended him for being an outstanding student.
‘‘Makabongwe was in my second year class in 2010 and missed almost the entire first term due to illness. He returned at the start of term two and ten days later got 83% for a test based on the previous term’s work. Quite remarkable! He got 87% in the final exam, finishing sixth in a class of 570. Imagine if he had not been ill,’’ he said.
In 2011, Ndzwayiba missed most of the second semester but wrote an aegrotat examination at the beginning of 2012. “The first two answers in his exam were excellent, but he wrote almost nothing for the third question and I realised then just how ill he was, as he obviously just ran out of physical strength to finish the exam,” said Keeton. “Yet he still managed to get an upper second.’’
‘‘What a fine intellect, but what a fine young man also. He came to my office several times, always cheerful, always positive. Never angry with the massive struggle he was having to fight. I do hope his fellow students will be inspired by his example,’’ added Keeton.
Badat extended condolences to the family and friends of Ndzwayiba who attended his graduation ceremony.
By Azwihangwisi Mufamadi