Siyaphumelela is a student success initiative focused on improving student retention, progression, and academic success through collaborative, student-centred support interventions. As part of the initiative, the Siyaphumelela Scholar Programme identifies student leaders who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a passion for student success, with selected scholars representing their institutions in national and international higher education engagements.

Ndivhuwo “Candy” Mgwena will represent UWC in the national Siyaphumelela engagements and compete alongside 18 students from across South Africa for the title of the South African Siyaphumelela Achieve The Dream (ATD)Scholar.

Mgwena is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in the Faculty of Education and has emerged as the strongest candidate following a highly competitive selection and interview process. Her confidence, articulate engagement, passion for student success and commitment to inclusive education distinguished her throughout the process.

Born and raised in rural Limpopo, her journey to higher education has been shaped by resilience, determination and a deep commitment to creating spaces where all students feel valued and supported. Following the passing of her grandmother, she relocated to Johannesburg as a young child, where she had to navigate the challenges of adapting to a new environment, language and schooling system.

Ndivhuwo “Candy” Mgwena and Prof Subethra Pather. Picture Supplied

These experiences inspired her passion for education and social transformation.

Today, Mgwena’s academic and research interests focus on inclusive education, particularly the experiences of gender-diverse and non-heterosexual learners within schooling environments. Through her work, she hopes to contribute towards educational spaces that are more inclusive, supportive and responsive to the realities of all students.

Beyond her academics, Mgwena has played an active role in student leadership and support initiatives across campus. As a Development Officer within UWC residences, she works closely with Peer Facilitators and the First-Year Experience Programmes to support students in their transition to university life. Her work focuses on fostering belonging, promoting psychosocial well-being and strengthening student success initiatives.

Sport has also played an important role in Mgwena’s journey at UWC. One of the main motivations for her choosing to study at UWC is because of the University’s strong football legacy. Although her Honours class schedule conflicted with training sessions and prevented her from fully participating in the team during that period, she was still part of the 2024 Varsity Cup squad that went on to win the tournament. Despite the demands of her current academic and leadership responsibilities, Mgwena continues her involvement in football as part of the UWC Women’s Regional Team.

Reflecting on her journey, she said: “I want to be part of creating educational spaces where students feel seen, supported and valued. For me, education is about transformation, representation and creating opportunities for others.”

Professor Subethra Pather, UWC’s Siyaphumelela Institutional Lead and Mgwena’s mentor, congratulated her on the achievement and highlighted the significance of student leadership within the Siyaphumelela initiative. “Candy is a perfect example of a balanced student who is involved in curricular and co-curricular activities at UWC. Her commitment to helping her peers within student residences and in her faculty has contributed positively to students’ sense of belonging and success and to her growth as a well-rounded person,” said Prof Pather.

UWC is proud of the scholars that Siyaphumelela has produced over the years and the manner in which they have represented the University nationally and internationally.