The Rhodes University Commerce Extended Studies Programme (ESP) and its sponsor, Investec, recently held a dinner to celebrate past and present students.
During the event, Mr Setlogane Manchidi, Head of Corporate Social Investment at Investec, reminded the students how important hard work is on the path to achieving one’s dreams. At this event, three former ESP students, who are currently postgraduate scholars reading for their Master’s degree in the Department of Management, attended. Through the programme, Mr Luyanda Bheyile, Ms Lisa Maholo and Ms Kayakazi Nomnqa have realised their academic dreams.
Mr Bheyile joined the ESP programme in 2002. At the dinner, he remarked on the benefits of the small size of the classes. “We were able to build relationships with each other and our lecturers with ease. This made learning fun and easy. The lecturers had that ‘tough-love’ relationship with all the students and we became fully equipped for mainstream.”
He believes Rhodes University changed his life for the better. “I cannot begin to imagine how my studies would have been like had I gone elsewhere. The efficiency of the administrative staff and the smallness of the University made all the difference.”
Mr Bheyile is now employed as the Development Fundraiser for University Campaigns in the Communications and Advancement division at Rhodes University.
Ms Maholo recounted, “With the assistance of the programme, beginning in 2009, I completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Management and Information Systems and an Honours degree in Financial Management. I was selected as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar for the 2014 cohort and am currently a Lecturer in the Department of Management.”
Mr Mattheus Louw is one of Mr Bheyile and Ms Maholo’s supervisors for their Master’s study.
Ms Nomnqa told her inspiring story of arriving to Rhodes University from Nombulelo Secondary School and how she is currently completing her Master’s in Management. “I now hold a Bachelor of Commerce with Management and Information Systems as my majors and a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Financial Management. I am currently doing my first year of Master’s in Financial Management and I have been appointed as a temporary Lecturer in the Extended Studies Unit.”
“It truly warms the heart to see such exceptional young people being given a chance through our Extended Studies Programme,” said Prof Lynette Louw, Professor in the Department of Management. “During my time as the Deputy Dean, I have seen many of our students go on to achieve their dreams. There is nothing more fulfilling than that.”
Prof Louw attended the event on behalf of the Dean of Commerce, Prof Dave Sewry.