It Takes a Village: Investing in South Africa’s Future
Pienaar Brothers attends UCT’s Donor Appreciation Event, celebrating the life-changing impact of education, mentorship and collective support.
In October, Pienaar Brothers had the privilege of attending the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Donor Appreciation Event at the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika building. The evening brought together donors, students, bursary recipients and UCT staff to celebrate the transformative power of educational sponsorship and the opportunities it creates for future generations. Through powerful personal stories, the event highlighted an important truth: education is about more than paying tuition fees. It is about giving young people the support, guidance and opportunities they need to succeed.
The many hands behind success
Two speakers, Dr Vuyane Mhlomi and Dr Manas Bapela, brought this message to life through their own journeys as former bursary beneficiaries who have gone on to make their mark in their respective fields.
Dr Vuyane Mhlomi shared his story of growing up in Khayelitsha, raised by a single mother, and his journey to completing his medical and MBA studies at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. His achievements were not simply the result of individual determination. He reflected on the many people who helped him along the way, from neighbours who provided food and individuals who assisted with bus fare, to donors who covered his education, accommodation and living expenses. Many of these people may never know the full extent of their contribution. Yet each played a part in shaping his future.
His story was a powerful reminder that behind many remarkable achievements lies a community of people who choose to help, often in ways that may seem small at the time but ultimately change lives.
Beyond financial support
Dr Manas Bapela, a bursary recipient from Limpopo, highlighted another essential component of student success: mentorship.
While financial assistance makes education accessible, students also need guidance, encouragement and practical experience to prepare them for the working world.
Opportunities for holiday work, paid internships and professional mentorship help students build their CVs, develop workplace skills and transition more confidently from university into employment.
These interventions can make the difference between simply obtaining a qualification and being equipped to build a career.
It takes a village
A message echoed throughout the evening was a familiar saying: it takes a village to raise a child.
The same is true of educating and preparing young people to enter the working world.
The cost of tuition is only one part of the equation. Accommodation, food, transport, emotional support and mentorship are equally important in helping students complete their studies.
For many bursary recipients, the pressure is immense. Maintaining an average of 65% to retain funding can be challenging under any circumstances, but even more so when students are dealing with bereavement, difficult family environments or the responsibility of supporting loved ones back home.
The evening highlighted that the final semester can be particularly challenging, as the pressure of academic performance, uncertainty about employment and the expectation of providing for family members can become overwhelming.
It was a sobering reminder that supporting students means more than opening the door to university. It means helping them stay the course, graduate and successfully navigate the next chapter of their lives.
Our privilege is our opportunity to give
One of the evening’s most memorable messages was a reminder not to wait until we have accumulated wealth before giving back.
The sentiment was simple: our privilege is itself a form of wealth.
Whether through financial contributions, professional guidance, mentorship or simply giving our time, we all have something valuable to offer. Making a difference does not have to wait until we have more; it begins with recognising what we already have and choosing to share it.
For Pienaar Brothers, this message reinforced the importance of investing in people and helping create opportunities for young South Africans to realise their potential.
Investing in tomorrow
Pienaar Brothers is proud to sponsor UCT bursaries and contribute to the development of South Africa’s future talent.
The evening was a powerful reminder that behind every bursary is a person with a story, a family with hopes for the future and a community that stands to benefit from their success.
We look forward to continuing our relationship with UCT in the years ahead.
Because investing in education means investing in more than individual achievement. It means helping build stronger families, more capable communities and a brighter future for South Africa.
Sometimes, changing a life starts with one person choosing to help. And sometimes, it takes a village.
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