Thursday, the 25th of August 2005, is a date that our 2005/2006 group of new Nelson Mandela Scholarship recipients and their families will remember and be proud of. An award ceremony dinner was held at the Izulu Hotel to bid farewell to the ten recipients who were chosen last year, for their dedication, strong sense of community service and burning desire to play a role in the advancement of South Africa. The memorable evening marked the beginning of their fabulous journey and the challenge ahead as south African Ambassadors in the UK.

Now in its eighth year, the scholarship has already produced 80 graduates that have returned successfully from the United Kingdom, five of which are currently employed at Unilever. This year another Unilever employee was selected as a scholarship recipient. Sbusiso Sibulelo recently departed to the United Kingdom to pursue his Masters in development Studies. He was a production manager at the Pietermaritzburg factory and whas thrilled to receive a scholarship. Upon his return he wants to contribute his knowledge and skills in development by assisting NGO's whilst still employed at Unilever.

As usual, our scholars have undertaken a variety of courses whilst in the United Kingdom ranging from a PhD in Health and Development to Masters degrees in public policy. Riano Govender, 26, hopes the knowledge she gains abroad from her PhD will assist her to continue her work in research and developments of an HIV/Aids policy when she returns.
The ceremony was well attended by guests like Moss Mashishi who gave an inspirational speech to the scholars. The guest of honor was Honorable Judge Vuka Tshabala from Kwa-Zulu Natal. This was the first year the ceremony was held in Durban.
Although Madiba was unable to attend the ceremony the scholars where moved when listening to his encouraging words through a recorded video message to bid the scholars farewell.

Gail Klintworth said, "The new scholarship recipients have proven themselves in their fields, have triumphed over circumstances and have grasped every opportunity that came their way. They have been selected because they have proven themselves as leaders and they have proven their commitment to playing a role in the positive transformation of our country and we are proud of them."

All the scholars are now settling well in their new environment and look forward to completing their studies and returning home.