For 16-year-old Sinenkhosi Dlamini, the future was beginning to look uncertain.
As a Grade 10 pupil at Manzini Central High School, she faced the humiliating and distressing reality of being sent home after her school fees were not paid on time.
The young pupil said she was deeply grateful for the Tibiyo TakaNgwane bursary, describing it as a lifeline that would allow her to continue her education without interruption.
She explained that the bursary arrived at a time when her mother — the only parent she has — was struggling to keep up with school fees and basic household expenses.
Dlamini said the situation had been stressful, noting that late payment of fees often resulted in her being sent home from school.
She added that teachers had informed pupils about the Tibiyo bursary and encouraged those in need to apply. After hearing about the opportunity, she said she immediately informed her mother and they applied together.
She recalled that news of her selection was delivered through her mother, and said she was over the moon when she learned that she was a beneficiary.
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Expressing her gratitude, Dlamini said:
Her mother, Ntombi Dludlu, said the bursary had relieved her of a heavy financial burden that had weighed on her shoulders.
She explained that she is a vendor who sells maize and that, in the current economic climate, her income is barely enough to sustain the family.
Dludlu also revealed that Dlamini’s father passed away when Sinenkhosi was only one year old, leaving her as the sole provider.
She said she was humbled by the support and expressed hope that her daughter would continue to work hard and complete her studies so that she could become successful in life.
Dludlu described the bursary as a blessing that had given her child a chance to build a better future.
