Siphosakhe Xaba

A Journey of Hope and Transformation.  Born in the small village of Mhlwazini in the Eastern Cape, I am the youngest of six children and the only boy in my family. Growing up with five older sisters, I quickly learned the value of perseverance and family support. My journey through education took me from Nagari Pracharni Primary School to Glenwood High School, where I completed matric in 2018.

It was during my high school years that I first encountered the YES Trust through my sisters, who were also beneficiaries of the Trust’s financial support. Inspired by their success and with additional encouragement from the Durban Child & Youth Care Centre, I applied to the YES Trust, particularly concerned that NSFAS might not cover my tertiary education costs.

Despite excelling in matric, the financial strain of pursuing further studies left me feeling as though my future had been snatched away. But thanks to the YES Trust, I secured funding for my BCom in Strategic Brand Management at Vega School, covering tuition and textbooks. However, the Trust’s support went beyond financial aid—it provided me with guidance and mentorship when I needed it most.

Without this assistance, I would likely have been unable to secure accommodation or even attend classes, significantly hampering my academic progress. Today, each module I pass brings me closer to fulfilling my dream of improving life for my family and giving hope to my community back home.

Since starting my degree, I have seized various professional opportunities, including becoming a KZN finalist in the Red Bull Doodle Competition and participating in the Mr Price Work Experience Programme. These experiences have opened doors I never imagined possible. Thanks to the YES Trust, I have grown both as a professional and as an individual, transforming from a boy into a man ready to make a lasting difference in South Africa.