Nokukhanya Makwe
BSc (Human Life Science) III
As a proud recipient of the Russel Botman Bursary, I am deeply honoured to share my gratitude and story. Receiving this bursary has been nothing short of transformative, and I am especially thankful to Dr. Beryl Botman and Ms. Roxanne Botman for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my journey.
When I was awarded this bursary, it felt like a door to my future had been opened. It was not just a financial lifeline; it was a powerful message that someone believed in my potential. That belief fuelled my hope for the future and deepened my faith. This bursary stands as a testament to what education can achieve, embodying the legacy of a man who believed in the power of knowledge and the responsibility to make meaningful contributions to society.
The late Professor Russel Botman was a visionary leader and a passionate advocate for equal opportunities. His life’s work continues to inspire students like me. I was awarded this bursary at the start of 2023, and since then, I have been able to focus on my education without the weight of financial worries. This freedom has allowed me to fully immerse myself in Stellenbosch University’s leadership structures and seize opportunities for personal growth.
Professor Botman’s legacy of challenging the status quo and his belief that no student should be denied access to education because of financial barriers resonate deeply with me. While I never had the honour of meeting him, my research and attendance at past annual lectures have revealed a man of wisdom, grace, and a profound commitment to uplifting others.
Today, the Russel Botman Bursary Fund ensures his vision lives on, providing opportunities for students to pursue their dreams. On behalf of all bursary recipients, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Botman family and the donors whose generosity does more than ease financial burdens—it inspires us to embody Professor Botman’s passion for leadership, community involvement, and perseverance.
Your investment in this fund shapes a future defined by the transformative power of education. As Professor Botman once said, “We do what we do not for ourselves but for the next generation.” This opportunity has not only enabled my personal success but also strengthened my resolve to uplift others and give back to the community that has allowed me to dream big.
In closing, I leave you with a quote by Seamus Heaney that encapsulates what Professor Botman stood for: “Hope is not optimism which expects things to turn out well, but something rooted in the conviction that there is good worth working for.”
Because of this bursary, I believe in the possibility of meaningful change, and I will strive to make that change wherever I go.
Thank you.