Page 22 - UKZN Foundation AR 2023

POWERING UP THROUGH EDUCATION
Mr Thabiso Aphane.
In a world where financial constraints often stand as insurmountable barriers to education, stories of triumph shine as beacons of hope. One such tale of resilience and determination is that of Mr Thabiso Lunga Aphane, an honours student in Information Systems and Technology. His journey to success has been bolstered by a life-changing bursary from ITALTILE through the BEE Chamber donor, proving that the gift of education can transform lives. This was facilitated by the UKZN Foundation.
Growing up in a small family of four, Aphane’s passion for mathematics was nurtured by his mother, a maths enthusiast. While most children enjoyed their December holidays, he found himself immersed in mathematical challenges, solving equations and unravelling patterns under his mother’s watchful eye. This early exposure to the world of numbers laid the foundation for his career aspirations to become a Software Engineer.
As a high school student, Aphane’s dreams of pursuing a career in Information Technology (IT) began to take shape. His passion for problem-solving and his fascination with the possibilities offered by technology fuelled his determination. However, financial constraints threatened to derail his ambitions. His family faced economic challenges that made the prospect of higher education seem like an elusive dream.
The generous support of the ITALTILE Bursary transformed Aphane’s life, allowing him to enrol in the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems and Technology at UKZN.
“Bursaries such as these helps alleviate the financial burden on students and make higher education more accessible to those of us who might not otherwise be able to afford it,” said Aphane. “This bursary has been incredibly beneficial and has made a significant difference in my life. It has relieved me of the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education, allowing me to focus on my academic pursuits without constant worry.”
The ITALTILE Bursary not only covered
his tuition fees but also provided a monthly stipend. This financial support proved instrumental in improving his academic experience. As an IT Honours student, he often worked with demanding software applications and engaged in coding work that required substantial computing power. Thanks to the financial resources provided by the bursary, he invested in upgrading his laptop’s specifications, enhancing his productivity and efficiency in completing
assignments.
Aphane’s current research explores the impact of remote working on developer productivity in different organisational cultures. With the world witnessing a significant shift towards remote work arrangements, his research aims to understand how this change affects the productivity of developers in various work environments.
Beyond his academic pursuits, he enjoys spending his spare time reading self-help books, exercising, and honing his coding skills through Hackerrank exercises. He believes that continuous learning and self-improvement are essential in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Aphane honing his coding skills through Hackerrank exercises.
20 UKZN FOUNDATiON ANNUAL REPORT 2023