The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) continues to be a transformative initiative that empowers academically talented young people.
With a focus on empowering young people through access to education, mentorship and leadership development, graduates of the Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program are now equipped to lead as change agents across industry and academia.
At the autumn graduation in April, seven Mastercard Foundation Scholars graduated from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Darin Holman (Master of Science - Natural Sciences: Magna Cum Laude)
Darin was born and raised in Makhanda and began his academic journey at UWC as an undergraduate student in Biotechnology. He later graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology. “I always wanted to do something in science, and after really enjoying the first three years, I always knew I wanted to do postgraduate studies,” said Holman. Working with bacteria in the lab, Holman is a passionate scientist and said being part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was very beneficial. “The Wrap Around Support Programme workshops which were very helpful, and it was nice because it wasn’t based on your degree – it was entrepreneurial and life skills, which was great.”
Kessel Okinga-Koumou (Master of Science - Natural Sciences: Magna Cum Laude)
A native of Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo, Koumou took the bold step of moving to South Africa as a young student. “I first dreamt of being a lecturer, and after speaking to my family, I asked if, after finishing high school, I could move to another country to go to university,” she said. Okinga-Koumou is a talented technology innovator whose MSc project focused on developing a centralised asset management system for UWC researchers, using the publish-subscribe model and immersive technology to promote research collaboration and increase throughput. She said: “I incorporated immersive technology such as artificial intelligence in my research. Being part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was amazing – I was given so much support for my studies.” Okinga-Koumou is currently pursuing her PhD at UWC.
Tammy-Lee Lakay (Master of Arts, Historical Studies)
Tammy-Lee Lakay describes herself as a born researcher. She said: “This academic journey began in 2023, but I like to think it started long before that, because when I was 12 years old, I was curious about why men say women are bad drivers. I then conducted three interviews and wrote a paper. I came to the conclusion that women are better drivers than men, and that was the start of my journey into feminist research.” Lakay’s research explored the gender dimensions and impact of the work of the South African Committee for Higher Education (SACHED) from 1982 to 1994, through the lens of SPEAK Magazine. She credits the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for its strong support throughout her academic journey.
Professor Balfour, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, congratulated the first cohort of graduates from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and expressed his appreciation to the Mastercard Foundation for placing their trust in the University of the Western Cape.
"We are deeply honoured by the confidence The Mastercard Foundation has placed in UWC," said Professor Balfour. "These graduates not only embody the values of both the Foundation and our University, but they are also poised to make meaningful contributions to their communities and to the world at large."
Professor Balfour further acknowledged the significant contributions of stakeholders across the University toward the academic success and holistic development of the graduates. “ Today we are really proud that we are graduating the 1st cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars who in 2023 were selected through a stringent, rigorous and transparent process – as awardees of these prestigious scholarships. I am also pleased to share that the success of the integrated support of this Program is apparent – since four out of the seven scholars are graduating 'magna cum laude or cum laude’.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC offers comprehensive scholarships for undergraduate studies (up to four years) and master's degree studies (up to two years), supported by the Mastercard Foundation. It prioritizes young women, refugees and forcibly displaced youth, and individuals living with disabilities, fostering inclusivity and diversity. Beyond tuition, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides accommodation, books, academic materials, mentoring, counselling, and leadership development opportunities, ensuring comprehensive academic and wrap around support for Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
