"Today, as Dell Young Leaders, you hold a key that unlocks doors to a future brimming with opportunity. This scholarship isn’t just an award; it’s a symbol of our belief in your potential to lead, innovate, and create change. With extensive support focused on your academic success and career preparation for the future, embrace this journey, rise to every opportunity and challenge, and make a difference not only in your life but in the lives of those around you.”
This was the message of Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, the incoming Rector and Vice Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, at a recent event to welcome the 2024 cohort of students into the Dell Young Leaders programme. This is the Programme’s fifth and largest cohort yet, selecting over 300 first-year students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend university. The students are studying professional and in-demand degrees across seven faculties: AgriSciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences and Science.
The Dell Young Leaders programme is designed to empower students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend university, to achieve their goal of reaching graduation and starting a meaningful career. The programme includes personalised advice and resources for students’ academic, financial, wellness and career wellbeing.
All students are in their first year of study at SU and are studying in-demand and professional degrees across a range of SU faculties.
First-year MBChB student Jayden Musset considers being part of the Dell Young Leaders programme a "game changer".
"Thanks to the Dell Young Leaders programme, I get to focus on my studies without constantly worrying about the costs. The support I get from the programme – the mentorship, resources and just knowing there are people rooting for me – really makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger. I’m not just going through medical school alone; I have a team helping me every step of the way."
He adds that he feels incredibly proud to be a Dell Young Leader.
"This Programme isn’t just a financial lifeline – it’s a community that really ‘gets’ the ups and downs of being a student with big goals. I’m excited to take what I learn here and hopefully give back someday, whether through medicine or even mentoring others in the same way. Being part of this Programme has made me believe that anything is possible, and I’m grateful every single day for that.”
Mbali Anthony, a first year BEd Foundation Phase student, says her selection into the Programme means the world to her.
"I could not attend the University’s opening week and felt left out from the friendship groups that were formed during that week. However, since joining the Dell Young Leaders programme I have made friends with students from my residence who are also a part of the Programme.
"The Programme has also helped me through tough times - I now receive a food allowance which enables me to just focus on my studies and to enjoy my university experience. I now also have a place I can turn to whenever I’m faced with issues, and I know that I will receive help."
Anthony, who excels in hockey and represents the Maties first team, says she is now also able to focus fully on giving her all for her team.