Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program graduates Qawekazi Msesane and Lucrechia Eloise McAllen with UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Robert Balfour, following their graduation ceremony on 12 September 2025. Image: Shelley Christians/UWCThe University of the Western Cape’s Spring Graduation Ceremony became a celebration of purpose and possibility. Among the graduates were two exceptional Mastercard Foundation Scholars from the Class of 2023 whose journeys captured the day's spirit.
Lucrechia Eloise McAllen began her career as a dietician in the public health sector, where she saw firsthand how nutrition shapes the lives of mothers and their children. “As a mother, my experiences with health deepened my interest in evidence-based public health and inspired me to continue my studies,” said McAllen.
She graduated with a Master’s in Public Health in Nutrition, presenting research on “The Knowledge and Utilization of Nutrition-related Preconception Care amongst Women and Healthcare Workers in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Her work already informs scholarly articles on improving health outcomes and includes community engagement with older women who guide and support breastfeeding mothers.
McAllen credits the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for supporting her through the demands of thesis writing and for introducing her to a network of peers equally passionate about service. She plans to pursue a doctoral degree in Women’s Health to advance maternal and child health and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3, ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.
Growing up in a rural community with limited access to clean water left a lasting impression on Qawekazi Msesane. Determined to address environmental challenges, she completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Environmental and Water Science at UWC. Graduating Magna Cum Laude, her master’s thesis explored the hydrogeological connection between groundwater-dependent ecosystems and aquifers in the Kruger National Park. She shared her findings at two Water Research Commission symposiums, strengthening her professional network and contributing valuable insight to South Africa’s water sector.
Msesane has also impacted beyond academia, organising a clean-up and educational campaign in Khayelitsha to teach young people about waste management, recycling and water conservation. One peer-reviewed paper from her research has already been published, with a second under review. Her next goal is to work in environmental policy and implementation, ensuring that communities like hers gain reliable access to clean water and healthy ecosystems.
“My journey with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is beyond financial assistance; it has been transformative, opening doors I never thought possible and shaping the person I am today. Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, I gained education and a community of support that encouraged me to dream bigger and achieve more,” said Msesane.
For McAllen and Msesane, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offered more than financial support; it fostered leadership, community service and a shared commitment to social change. Their graduation is not just the culmination of years of study, but the beginning of careers dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities.
Acting Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Ivy Mwai, said: “On behalf of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the graduating Mastercard Foundation Scholars and the entire student body of the University of the Western Cape of 2025. The achievements of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars are a testament to their commitment, perseverance and transformative leadership. At the Foundation, we hold the vision of a world where everyone can learn and prosper, and we are proud to pursue this vision in partnership with the University of the Western Cape.
We have had the privilege of cheering on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UWC, and we remain their biggest supporters as they carry their knowledge, courage and compassion into the world.”
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organisations to empower young people in Africa and indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest private foundations in the world, with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion and foster an inclusive and equitable world. It was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is an independent organization, and its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by its own Board of Directors and senior leadership team. It is a registered Canadian charity with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa.
