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Lebakeng soars: Allan Gray nominee and beacon of achievement

18 October 2024 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Supplied

The University of the Free State (UFS) celebrates Lebakeng Mokhele, a remarkable student nominated for the prestigious Allan Gray Student Achievers programme. This recognition highlights Mokhele’s exceptional academic journey, fuelled by dedication and a commitment to making a difference.

Mokhele is a beneficiary of the Centre for Global Change, exemplifying the positive impact of the centre.

Triumph over adversity

Despite facing significant challenges during his first year, Mokhele persevered and achieved remarkable success. Starting his academic journey on foot and enduring seven months without electricity, he demonstrated exceptional discipline and dedication to his studies.

Using a candle for light, Mokhele diligently pursued his academic goals, ultimately earning the prestigious title of Best First-Year in the Department of Computer Science and Informatics. His achievement was even more impressive considering the obstacles he overcame. Mokhele's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining focus in the face of adversity.

Mokhele’s story is one of perseverance. Growing up, he wanted to become a medical doctor. He credits his mother as his unwavering pillar of support. Additionally, he acknowledges Dr Amon Magwiro and Annemarie van Noordwyk for their guidance and mentorship.

A Well-Rounded Achiever

Currently pursuing an Honours in Business Management, Mokhele has a list of impressive accomplishments:

Top achiever awards across various departments
Best academic performer among all students in 2019
Golden Key International Honour Society member
Best performer in the Department of Business Management in 2020

Ambitious Goals and Aspiring Vision

He aspires to earn a PhD in Business Management while simultaneously establishing a thriving mixed farming enterprise. The Allan Gray programme offers him an opportunity to network and gain exposure to the financial industry – a developing passion sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leadership and Community Focus

His dedication extends beyond academics. He is actively involved in extracurricular activities, including organising community soccer tournaments. He demonstrates strong leadership through his roles as:

President of Enactus UFS
Treasurer of Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development in Maluti-a-Phofung
His farming venture currently employs workers and plans for expansion are underway. Through his ‘bucks n bucks’ consultancy, he assists aspiring entrepreneurs.

Sharing his Wisdom

Mokhele emphasises the importance of applying knowledge and seeking information. He encourages fellow students:

Focus on discipline: It is the key to overcoming challenges.
Find your ‘why’: Drive yourself with a clear purpose.
Never give up: Success is possible even when facing setbacks.

Gratitude and Acknowledgement

Lebakeng expresses his deepest gratitude to his family, lecturers, the Centre for Global Change (including Prof Otomo and his team), and everyone who have supported him.

A Final Note

For those interested in learning more about Mokhele’s business venture, visit his website: www.bucksnbucks.co.za

News Archive

Up to 60% of students do not have enough to eat

2013-11-15

15 November 2013

A report of the University of the Free State has revealed the shocking statistics that almost two-thirds of the students at the university don’t have enough money to buy food, and suffer from hunger during terms.

The study, conducted internally by the university’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, was a response to a growing international concern that students worldwide were not getting enough to eat. While studies were conducted in the USA and Australia, no similar research has been done in South Africa.

“There have been many studies on the impact of poor nutrition on school kids,” says Dr Louise van den Berg, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, “but almost no research on university students. South Africa is, overall, a food-insecure country, and the university wanted to establish how widespread this problem is among our students.”

The reasons given by students invariably referred to a lack of money, as many students were also supporting families. Some students admitted they lacked the knowledge to feed themselves properly, some admitted to borrowing money to buy food, and some even admitted to stealing food to survive.

“This research has confirmed something we have suspected for a long time,” Dr van den Berg states.

A number of students disclosed that they were reluctant to resort to the university feeding scheme, as they were ashamed to admit they did not have money to buy food.

This study is the first of its kind in South Africa, and underlines the fact that tertiary students are particularly vulnerable when it comes to food security. Often a student has to juggle their studies with their role as breadwinner.

A tiny ray of hope to students who find themselves as food insecure, is the No Student Hungry Programme that offers a food bursary to qualifying students.

This programme, initially established by Prof Jonathan Jansen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, and now managed by Grace Jansen and Karen Buys, offers a small allowance of about R30 per day to hungry students with an average academic achievement of 60% and above. This criterion discourages entitlement thinking and builds a strong sense of responsibility on the part of those who benefit from the food bursary.

Melanie, a second-year Geography and Environmental Management student, as well as a single mother, is a beneficiary of the NSH Programme. “This bursary helps me to get a balanced meal every day. It is one less worry for me. I dream of completing my studies so that I can be independent and provide my son with the life he deserves.”

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