A Durban University of Technology Town and Regional Planning student will jet off to the United States of America after being awarded with a prestigious five-year scholarship.
The first-year student will pursue a triple major in Architecture, Town Planning and Civil Engineering at the prestigious Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
Wandile Mthiyane, 18, has also been awarded just over R40 000 ($5000) from the University as well as just over R49 000 ($6200) from the American Embassy.
However, getting the scholarship was no accident. According to the KwaMashu resident, the realisation of this dream was as a result of a carefully planned out vision long before he arrived at DUT.
A staunch Christian, Mthiyane decided to continue the rest of his high school education at Solusi Adventist High School, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, after finishing Grade 7. His church has strong ties with the Zimbabwean high school.
“I completed my matric there (Solusi Adventist High School). I decided to take that route because I knew that they (Solusi Adventist High School) teach the same curriculum as abroad. We all study at the same South African higher learning institutions and we come up with the same ideas as a result. Abroad, you get different views especially at first world countries which have developed infrastructure”, said Mthiyane.
His GCE (General Certificate of Education) 0 Level exams, which comprised of 18 subjects, were marked at the Cambridge University. His subjects included Maths, Biology, Business Studies, History as well as Building. He achieved eight distinctions.
During August last year, he sent an application to Andrews University. In order to be accepted, he was required to write a TOEFL test, in which he needed to score 90 out of an overall mark of 120.
“The test was difficult. It is internet-based and you are given four hours to complete it,” he said. Last semester, Mthiyane wrote three exams (in his Town and Regional Planning course at DUT) where he achieved two distinctions.
Bertha Pitout, DUT Town and Regional Planning first-year co-ordinator said the department is extremely proud of Mthiyane, adding that he is an inspiration to his class. “We are quite excited for him. As a student, he is conscientious, ambitious and very eager to learn”, she said.
–Sinegugu Ndlovu
Caption: DUT Town and Regional Planning first-year student Wandile Mthiyane, 18, is excited after being awarded with a five-year scholarship. He will pursue a triple major in Architecture, Town Planning and Civil Engineering at the Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
