Driven by her passion and love for the sciences and health, Mumba chose Eduvos because its qualifications aligned perfectly with her interests. Her enthusiasm for science was evident through her participation in science fairs throughout her primary and secondary education.
However, moving to another province for her studies wasn’t easy. Her move from Phalaborwa, Limpopo not only brought on emotional challenges but also sparked financial concerns for Mumba and her family. Despite her parents’ support, they faced increasing financial responsibilities.
Reflecting on being selected for the JB Marks Education Trust bursary, Mumba shares how it positively impacted her and her parents, especially when they needed it the most.
“It’s given me and my parents financial freedom because they take care of basically everything,” says Mumba. “They don’t just focus on academics, they cover everything, including tuition, accommodation, textbooks and even pocket money. They also provide us with psychologists and workshops to prepare us for interviews for future employment.”
Reflecting on 16 June
For Mumba, Youth Day is a day to honour the bravery of the youth who stood up for their rights. She expresses gratitude for the fight for basic education.
“I acknowledge that people worked hard to have basic education. Somebody else had to fight for this and I'm getting it on a silver platter. It reminds and encourages me to work harder, keep pushing myself, and not let their dreams go in vain,” says Mumba.
As we remember the Soweto Uprising of 1976, we reflect on the ongoing journey towards equality and justice. The legacy of the Soweto Uprising serves as a powerful reminder of the impact young people can have, inspiring today’s youth to continue striving for positive change.
This is exactly what Mumba strives for. Poised as a woman with many talents, Mumba enjoys swimming, singing, and dancing. Mumba also enjoys giving back to her community to propel them forward.
“I give back through my project called ‘Traumatizing the Trauma’, where I engage a lot with students in Grades 10 – 12 and share information about the different career opportunities out there. I believe in having open discussions and assisting students with higher education applications,” says Mumba.
Advice for young people
Reflecting on her life before pursuing higher education, Mumba emphasises the support she’s received from her parents, who have been instrumental in her success. She also highlights the importance of finding role models for motivation.
“Looking up to someone for me is the biggest highlight of motivation because you remember every morning when it's difficult for you to wake up you remember that one day you'll be out of the situation,” says Mumba. “Identify a role model, not a celebrity but a role model within your community who you can look up to and relate to.”
Above all, staying motivated is deeply rooted in pursuing a field you’re genuinely interested in. “I would encourage high school learners, for example, to partake in psychometric tests, because that’s where you can see where their real passion lies,” says Mumba.
Gratitude to the JB Marks Education Trust
The JB Marks Education Trust bursary came at a crucial time for Mumba, significantly alleviating her family's financial stress. This support has enabled Mumba to fully focus on her studies and participate in enriching activities that allow her to uplift the young people around her.
“JB Marks changed my life. I managed to stay in the field that I wanted to stay in. Before, I was considering changing my course for a more affordable degree. My passion was going to change completely; I’m grateful for having received the bursary,” says Mumba.
Mumba’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of bursary impacts in transforming lives. Her story reminds us that bursary opportunities continue to propel our next generation forward and help shape a brighter future.
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