Hashtags Talk Show helps change the life of a young student

Since the dawn of the “Fees Must Fall Movement” that began in mid-October 2015 in South Africa. The goals of the movement were to stop increases in student fees as well as to increase government funding of universities. The 2015 protest ended when it was announced by the South African a government that there would be no tuition fee increases for 2016

To date, we continue to see more students taking it to the streets demanding a change in how our higher learning institutions are run and how poor students continue to be financially excluded from universities.

Like many students around the country who want to better themselves through education, Zama Vuyeka found herself at the mercy of financial exclusion.

Zama Vuyeka is a brilliant first-year medical student who passed Matric (Grade 12) with straight A`s. She comes from a household where her grandparents are the sole breadwinners and her mother cannot contribute to her upbringing since internal injuries from a car accident left her unfit for work.

Her father died when she was a baby, yet all these challenges have motivated her to study hard so she can get herself and her family out of poverty.

She spent the whole of 2018 applying for bursaries without any positive responses from institutions. When Matric results were finally released a family member posted Zama’s results on Facebook and asked the online community to help secure funding for at least her first year (2019) of studies while the family continues in their efforts to secure bursaries.

Learning about Zama`s plight on social media, the Hashtags team together with  Avanti Communications felt compelled to find Zama and offer her assistance.

Hashtags is more than just a TV show but a vehicle that will shape the community and empower young people to live their dreams. 

“Our partners, Avanti Communications are committed to liberating potential across Africa, through Hashtags they were able to provide a substantial amount towards Zama`s medical tuition. This is the first of many initiatives that the show will be undertaking.” Said Kgosana Monchusi, Executive Producer on Hashtags & Creative Director at Weldun Media.

Hashtags presenter Mantsoe “Pout” visited the family and was introduced to Zama. At the end of the conversation, Mantsoe presented Zama with a letter from Avanti Communications and explained the details of the letter. 

“This means the world to me and my family, words cannot describe how grateful I am at the moment, Thank you so much to Avanti and Hashtags, this will surely change my life forever” Zama expressed her gratitude.

“This was a humbling exercise, I am happy that Zama will continue with her studies despite her current situation at home.” said Mantsoe.