Imagine Scholar Bios

Name: Mandisa Ngwenya

Professional goal: Doctor

Student Quote: “My dad is my role model. He’s the one who made me the girl I am today.”

What we’ve noticed about Mandisa: One of the most adorable kids you’ll ever meet, the soft-spoken Mandisa nevertheless holds her own in class discussions. She’s the odds-on favorite to win the award for best Book Report on any given week.

Interesting Fact: Mandisa speaks three languages.

Student Scholarship Amount:

Name: Mmathapelo Mhlanga

Professional goal: Dentist  

Student Quote: “My hobbies are singing and dancing. My favourite learning areas are English, SiSwati, Mathematics, and Afrikaans.”

What we’ve noticed about Mmathapelo: Mmathapelo’s a little bundle of sass. She’s done excellent in all areas of the Imagine Scholar curriculum and is currently one of two Gold Star students.

Interesting Fact: Mmathepelo speaks Japanese.

Student Scholarship Amount:

Name: Ncamiso Nkosi

Professional goal: Electrical Engineer

Student Quote: “Always I work hard to improve my home situation because I dislike it. I know I will change it.”

What we’ve noticed about Ncamiso: It’s the quiet ones you have to look out for, but Ncamiso has been really coming out of his shell recently. We’ve noticed a huge improvement in his English language skills.

Interesting Fact: In addition to school and Imagine Scholar, Ncamiso goes to church every day. His favorite bible verse is Ephesians 4:27 “and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Student Scholarship Amount:

Name: Nosizo Ngomane

Professional goal: Doctor

Student Quote: “The things I like to do most are reading and writing.”

What we’ve noticed about Nosizo: Nosizo has shown a great deal of aptitude and is always on time and ready to go. She has a different kind of energy and prides herself on being a strong female presence in a male-dominated culture.

Interesting Fact: Nosizo loves to dance

Student Scholarship Amount:

Name: Queen Sihlangu

Professional goal: Reporter

Student Quote: “Being an orphan has never affected my studies because I had very encouraging friends.”

What we’ve noticed about Queen: She speaks with a wisdom that belies her ears. She’s also been an excellent tutor as the newbies attempt to learn to speak SiSwati.

Interesting Fact: Loves to write short stories.

Student Scholarship Amount:

Name: Simphiwe Fakude

Professional goal: Electrical Engineer

Student Quote: “I love helping and sharing my opinions with other people because that is how I learn to be open-minded.”

What we’ve noticed about Simphiwe: In addition to being a sharp dresser, Simphiwe can often be seen in a bright green school uniform blazer. He’s picked up the nickname “The Graduate” from some of the other students.  

Interesting Fact: Simphiwe is a bit of a dancer and once did his cultural dance for two straight hours.

Student Scholarship Amount:

Name: Tricia Thabethe

Professional goal: Doctor or Pilot

Student Quote: “My role model is Nelson Mandela because he fought for black rights and that gives me the courage to fight for my future.”

What we’ve noticed about Tricia: Tricia is a laugher. Underneath her bubbly exterior, though, is a whip-smart young lady with great dreams for the future.

Interesting Fact: She comes at least two hours early for every class.

Student Scholarship Amount:

Name: Christina Khumalo

Professional goal: Architect

Student Quote: "I want to become an architect because I can prove to those who don't believe in me that I can be someone special." 

What we’ve noticed about Christina: One of the most outgoing students, Christina loves to speak out in class and carries herself with a great deal of confidence.

Interesting Fact: Christina’s brother is teaching her to speak Norwegian and she loves The Band Perry.  

Student Scholarship Amount:

Name: Elaine Nkosi

Professional goal:  Doctor

Student Quote: “My favorite book currently is Twilight because I love the mixture of romance and suspense.”

What we’ve noticed about Elaine: Elaine has an extremely high social IQ and has the ability to interact with all different kinds of people.

Interesting Fact: Elaine plays netball in school and her brother lets her drive on occasion.

Student Scholarship Amount:

Name: Zinzi Nsingwane

Professional goal: Accountant

Student Quote: “When I was a little girl, I was so curious to know how things worked in the world.”

What we’ve noticed about Zinzi: Zinzi’s school highly recommended her as a strong student. She has a reputation for being responsible beyond her age.

Interesting Fact:  Zinzi was the top younger student in the 1st vocabulary bee. 

Student Scholarship Amount: