Thato Mogajane from Mothotlung has from a young age, wanted to help people. She loved learning and dreamt of going to university after school.

Thato Mogajane (23)

“My parents could not afford to send me to university, and I managed to get a partial bursary from the government for my first year. However, it was not enough and I thought I would have to abandon my studies,” she said.
In 2022, she heard of the De Wildt Solar bursaries for applicants with academic achievements and applied. The application process was tough, and I was thrilled when I heard I was awarded a full bursary. The De Wildt Solar Scholarship Programme supports applicants with outstanding academic achievements living in the Madibeng municipal area, with a focus on critical fields such as Education, Engineering, Science, Environmental Studies, and Nursing. “Thato’s academic performance and her commitment to making a positive impact made her a standout candidate,” De Wildt Solar said.
Having recently graduated from the University of the Free State with a Bachelor of Education degree, Thato’s achievement is the result of four years of hard work and dedication. Growing up in a household with financial challenges, her journey was far from easy, but with the support of her family and the scholarship, she successfully completed her studies.
“Varsity is expensive, and coming from a disadvantaged background, we couldn’t afford much. This scholarship made everything possible. It eased my family’s burden and allowed me to focus fully on my studies without the stress of financial worries,” said Thato.
“I’ve always loved accounting and wanted to study commerce, but due to limited space, I chose education, and majored in commercial subjects. It turned out to be the best decision, and I’ve never looked back. My goal is to empower others in my community through education,” said Thato.
Thato is currently looking for a posting while applying to further her studies. She is set on completing an Honours Degree, with the ultimate goal of one day obtaining her PhD.
“Coming from a low-income household taught me resilience, and that is what motivates me to keep going. My dream is to create generational wealth, give my parents a better life, and be a role model for the youth in my community, my siblings and future children,” she said.