Dineo Mthembu

I was born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. Growing up, I was surrounded by a family that placed a high value on education. My mother and father instilled in both my brother and me the importance of learning from a young age, and always working hard to achieve our goals and dreams. My educational journey began at Benjamin Pine Primary School and continued at Kloof High School. It was during my high school years that I first heard about the YES Trust through our prefect’s school advisor. This introduction would prove to be a pivotal moment in my life.

As I approached the end of my high school career, I was faced with the daunting reality of financing my university education. Despite achieving notable Grade 11 and Matric results, the financial burden of university fees loomed large. At the time, my brother was in university, my father was unemployed, and my mother, a primary school teacher, was the sole breadwinner. With all expenses falling on her, it was incredibly challenging so I started applying for financial aid. But I was never granted any.

My family fell into the missing middle bracket, which meant we were considered to be above the threshold to qualify for NSFAS, yet the cost of higher education was still beyond our reach, especially with my brother also attending university. With only one parent shouldering all the expenses, I found myself in a position of great uncertainty.

In this challenging time, the YES Trust became a beacon of hope, being present in time of need. I applied to the Trust, seeking the financial aid that would allow me to pursue my dreams. The relief and gratitude I felt when I received feedback that I would be receiving their support was immense.

My first year at the University of Cape Town, however, became uneasy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden shift to online learning and the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic added to the stress.

With businesses at a standstill and financial pressures mounting, the situation was even more challenging. Despite these obstacles, the support from the YES Trust remained unwavering, providing not just financial aid but also a sense of stability during turbulent times.

The YES Trust, with Elixirr a corporate donor, covered all my undergraduate fees for three years and even supported me through my honours degree year, providing mentorship along the way.

Without their assistance, I would have faced significant student debt and might not have been able to complete my undergraduate studies, let alone continue to my honours degree.

Higher education was not just a goal; it was a necessity for me. Coming from a family that valued education, I understood that to become a professional Quantity Surveyor (QS) and succeed in this industry, I needed a solid educational foundation. Versatility, dedication, networking, and continuous learning are essential for success in this field and industry.

Since graduating from UCT, I have achieved significant milestones both personally and professionally. On a personal level, I have experienced growth in various aspects of my life, learning to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities.

Professionally, I have earned my honours degree and am currently a candidate working towards becoming a qualified Professional QS. I am diligently gaining the necessary hours and experience to achieve this goal.

The journey has been challenging, but the support from the YES Trust has been instrumental in my success. Their belief in my potential has allowed me to pursue my dreams and build a promising future. I am deeply grateful for their assistance and am committed to making the most of the opportunities they have provided.