Tertiary studies seemed an impossible dream for Kegomoditswe Mogomotsi – until leading international consumer electronics and appliance company Hisense unlocked the future for this outstanding student.

The intelligent, hard-working former pupil of Kwenamolapo High School in Lanseria has received a Hisense South Africa scholarship to the value of $4,500, to further her chemical engineering studies at the University of Johannesburg.

Working closely with the government, Hisense approached her school last year to partner with them and develop a working relationship where top matriculants will be awarded scholarships to further their studies.

"With her outstanding results, Kegomoditswe was a perfect candidate to be considered for the scholarship," said the school's principal, Thambatshira Maligana, adding that the shy, but hard working Kegomoditswe had produced excellent Grade 12 results and placed her school on the map.

Hand up

As a leading global technology development and manufacturing company, Hisense relies on the skills and training of engineers to stay on the cutting edge of their trades, said Jerry Liu, Managing Director of Hisense South Africa. It stands to reason that Hisense should provide opportunities for young people to pursue such careers, especially in this country.

 "South Africa has a shortage of qualified chemical engineers and we congratulate Kegomoditswe for taking such a bold step, and following this challenging and male-dominated career path," said Liu.

Eighteen-year-old Kegomoditswe said she looks up to her brother, who is in his final year of metallurgical engineering studies at the University of Johannesburg.

"My brother is supportive and encouraging. He understands how it feels to have dreams to further your studies and yet no finances to achieve them," said Kegomoditswe, who lives with her mother and extended family in Bryanston, Johannesburg.

"Back at high school, my favorite subjects were mathematics and physical science. I enjoyed problem-solving and calculating numbers. Chemistry, on the other hand, is an exciting experimental science which lets us understand our world and makes our life easier.

"It is visible everywhere and we come into contact with it every second of our daily lives but we are not aware of it, hence my passion and drive to know more about it," she said.

"I decided to study chemical engineering because it is broader in scope than the other branches of engineering. It draws on the three main engineering foundations – maths, physics, and chemistry – whereas the other branches are based on only the first two."

Prior to receiving the scholarship, she proceeded with registration at the university hoping she would get her chance.

"My school principal called me and requested proof of the university registration because Hisense was looking for students to sponsor. After one company dropped me at the last minute I did not want to get my hopes up, because I had been previously disappointed. I submitted over 15 bursary applications to different organizations, but not even one responded," she said. 

When she received the call informing her that she had won the Hisense South Africa scholarship she was excited, but also a little nervous at seeing her dream become reality. Kegomoditswe promised to work hard and complete her studies in record time by 2015.

Never give up

She has good advice for other students with aspirations. "Don't give up and be persistent. I looked for motivation all over and I was inspired by a young girl who learned to believe in herself and value her intelligence in the family drama Akeelah and the Bee."

Kegomoditswe said a poem from the drama, which said, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us," has always motivated her.

Liu said Hisense looks forward to monitoring Kegomoditswe's progress in her studies and beyond, and watching her succeed in her chosen profession.

"We are impressed by the remarkable achievement and intelligence Kegomoditswe has shown so far, and we look forward to sharing her developments and progress every step of her career path," said Liu.