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19 November 2018
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Story Valentino Ndaba
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Photo Xolisa Mnukwa
“I’m an embodiment of the dreams of those whose lives have been marked by great struggles,and I want to propel and re-write the African child’s narrative.” - Priscilla Brandt
Priscilla Brandt, first-generation LLB graduate, saw the opportunity to upgrade her career through the Graca Machel Trust, and grabbed the bull by its horns. Brandt pitched her skills and expertise to one of the trust CEO’s who happened to be part of a GLS panel discussion which was held on the University of the Free State (UFS) Bloemfontein Campus. Shortly afterwards, the organisation contacted her with an offer for a Legal and Governance research internship.
The Graca Machel Trust is an established Pan-African organisation that focuses on child health and nutrition, education, women’s economic and financial empowerment, leadership, and good governance. The trust functions under the leadership of Graca Machel, who is one of the world’s leading advocates for the rights of women and children and has stood as a social justice and political activist for years.
Brandt said her journey started in the township streets of Galeshewe, Kimberley, and was characterised by infinite difficulties and resolute challenges. However, her circumstances in no way deterred her from standing fervently in her trust and pursuit of a full and purpose-driven life.
According to Brandt, her university career involved working at several odd jobs concurrently in order to help take care of her family and to financially maintain herself throughout her varsity years. Despite her adverse circumstances, she managed to collect a vast array of domestic and international academic achievements.
She was the first female chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter at the UFS, served on the UFS F1 Leadership for Change programme, and represented the university in Japan. In addition to that, she formed part of a work and study-abroad programme in America for three months. She was a delegate to the International Youth Leadership Conference in the Czech Republic and was selected by the office of the Commonwealth Secretary General for the 33Sixty Conference in Singapore. Furthermore, she was nominated by the UK Humanitarian Affairs organisation to be part of the eighth University Scholars Leadership Symposium at the United Nations in Thailand.
Her knowledge and belief in her capabilities and work ethic drives Brandt to constantly challenge herself and strive for a life and character that embodies excellence.
New wheels for students with disabilities
2012-06-06
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First Car Rental donated two vehicles to our Unit for Students with Disabilities to meet their transport needs. The minibus will later on be converted to meet the specific transport needs of students with disabilities. From the left are Mr Mokgethi Tshabalala, Executive Head of Thebe Foundation, Mrs Hetsie Veitch, Head of the USD and Mr Bruce Barritt, Managing Director of First Car Rental.
Photo: René-Jean der Berg
06 June 2012
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Transport problems of students at our Unit for Students with Disabilities (USD) are now something of the past.
The USD received two brand-new vehicles from First Car Rental, a vehicle rental company, for the transportation of students with disabilities.
“The vehicles are especially useful to transport students of the unit to and from classes and examinations between the two campuses in Bloemfontein. It also helps us to transport students should they have doctors’ appointments or to perhaps have their physical aids serviced,” says Mrs Martie Marina, senior officer at the Unit for Students with Disabilities.
The two vehicles consist of a passenger vehicle and a minibus. The minibus will later on be converted to meet the specific needs of the students.