For Lekgotla Mashiane, moving from the scenic Maluti Mountains of the Eastern Free State to the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town felt like a journey between worlds—places as distinct as they are distant. Fresh from high school, he recalls how nothing could have prepared him for the drastic changes he faced; it was all a rollercoaster ride.

Bridging the academic gap
The hardest part of this exciting, yet scary transition, beyond the culture shock and the need to adapt, was bridging the academic gap between his hometown and his new environment. Adjusting to the clear gap in academic preparedness and compatibility within a highly competitive tertiary environment was anything but easy. As “a product” of the public school system, Lekgotla observed that the curriculum and its delivery do not always provide the same quality and standards aligned with higher education. This can be very intimidating, especially when enrolled in specialised courses that require a very solid foundation. The challenges Lekgotla faced at university brought him to the realisation that working extra hard was his only option. 

A life-changing decision
Following his mother’s passing in early 2021, Lekgotla changed academic institutions. He had already taken a leave of absence from UCT in 2020, the COVID-19 year, to care for his mother while she was ill. After her burial, he faced the choice of returning to UCT to try and complete his studies, even without funding. Lekgotla knew he would have to take care of his university fees, a daunting thought. His second option was to return home and face an uncertain future.

A new beginning
Naturally, Lekgotla opted for the first option, and fortunately, the University of Johannesburg had a late application system open, which he took advantage of. By God’s grace, he was accepted. So began his new academic journey with UJ. Although he was initially reluctant about the move, having already established himself at another institution, he knew he had to adapt quickly. 

"In hindsight, I’m grateful for having had the courage to make the change, as it gave me the chance to start afresh and rebuild myself," stated Lekgotla.

Advice for fellow students
Lekgotla is currently completing his degree in Actuarial Sciences. Reflecting on his journey, he advises students to take time to explore a variety of subjects and activities to discover their true interests—sometimes passion emerges from unexpected places. He notes that many students feel pressured to choose a career path early, often influenced by parents or societal expectations.

Lekgotla’s advice is to stay true to one’s interests and strengths rather than following trends or external pressures. He encourages students to research careers that genuinely align with their passions, even if it requires extra effort to learn about lesser-known or emerging fields. This approach, he believes, can open doors to rewarding opportunities.

The impact of Siyandisa
"I have been fortunate enough to be part of Siyandisa since 2017, its inaugural year. As part of the first cohort—whom I like to refer to as the 'scholarship pioneers'—Siyandisa has been with me every step of the way, from high school to university, offering various forms of support. From financial assistance to actual access to education, Siyandisa has provided me with educational videos, technological support, a career coach, and the guidance of their dedicated team."

"The impact has been incredible. They have helped me tremendously on my journey, making it significantly easier to navigate my academics and rise above the challenges I’ve faced."

Lekgotla has recently joined Investec Bank, and he’s excited to see where this new chapter of his journey will lead. Reflecting on his growth and the future ahead, he shares:
“The future is not a place we are going, but one we are creating. The paths are not found but made. And the act of creating them changes both the maker and the destination.”