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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.
NRF Renewals: 2005
2004-09-21
Renewal applications for Masters and Doctoral scholarships for 2005 are due now. Students who were awarded NRF Prestigious/Equity Masters and Doctoral scholarships, DoL/NRF Masters and Doctoral scholarships as well as the NLC/NRF Masters and Doctoral scholarships for support in 2004 are eligible to apply for the renewal of their scholarships for 2005, if the criteria for progress have been met. The NRF will not send individual letters to students reminding them to renew their scholarships. No incomplete or late applications will be considered. Scholarship holders must explicitly request renewal of their scholarships by submitting an application for the renewal of the scholarship on the relevant form. University’s internal closing date: 22 October 2004 at 15:30.
NRF closing date: 31 October 2004. Application forms must be handed in on or before the internal closing date at the George du Toit Administration Building, Room 155 (Mr Maleka, x9263).
Application forms can be downloaded from http://www.nrf.ac.za/students.php. Application forms for the renewal of DoL/NRF scholarships for people with disabilities will be made available on the website in due course.