In the scenic yet often overlooked town of QwaQwa in the Free State, a shining light is breaking through the odds. Mahlaba Jabulile Pearl, a driven and passionate young woman, is a living testament to what happens when talent, tenacity, and opportunity meet. A proud member of the Siyandisa Achievers Class of 2022. 

Mahlaba completed her matric at Sekgutlong High School, achieving an astonishing seven distinctions. Her academic excellence was only the beginning. Motivated by a lifelong fascination with the human body and a heartfelt desire to help those living with chronic illnesses, she set her sights on a future in medicine. Today, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics at the University of Cape Town (UCT). 

But the journey from QwaQwa to Cape Town has not been an easy one. 

“The financial burden of tuition costs could have derailed my dreams,” Mahlaba reflects. “But Siyandisa stood in the gap for me, relieving the stress of my fees and allowing me to focus on what truly matters—excelling in my studies.” 

Like so many bright young students across the country, Mahlaba found herself facing the harsh realities of limited financial resources and rising tertiary education costs. But through the Siyandisa Achievers’ unwavering support, she found more than just relief—she found renewed hope and purpose. 

“I worked tirelessly during my matric year, trying to ease the financial strain on my family,” she shares. “But when I arrived at university, the reality of unforeseen challenges hit hard. I am eternally grateful to Siyandisa for being the bridge between my dreams and reality. Their generosity has reminded me that God’s plan is bigger than I could ever imagine.” 

Now in her third year, Mahlaba is more focused than ever on achieving her goal of making a tangible difference in people’s lives—whether through medical research, clinical work, or genetic counselling.  

To future Siyandisa Achievers, Mahlaba leaves this message: 
“Keep working hard and never give up. With faith, determination, and the right support, anything is possible.”