Lwandisile is Using His University Experiences to Open Doors for Others

Photo Credit: Stellenbosch University

As an eager first-year student, Lwandisile Mhlanga accidentally arrived at SU a day early with little more than a suitcase. Alone and without a catered lunch, he was met with kindness that not only stayed with him but inspired him to become a leader who pays it forward and opens doors for others.

Stellenbosch, South Africa (02 July 2026) – Many young South Africans carry the hope of going to university, dreaming of an education that will lead to a brighter future. Arriving at Stellenbosch University (SU) with little more than a suitcase and the determination to make things work, Lwandisile Mhlanga was one of them.

On his first day in Stellenbosch, he accidentally arrived a day earlier than he was expected to for varsity.

“Because of that, I was not included in the catering arrangements for that day. One of the House Committee members, Luboya, noticed my situation and offered to buy me food and made sure I was okay,” Lwandisile shared.

That act of kindness stayed with him.

“It showed me the power of small acts of kindness. It made me feel seen, welcomed, and less alone.”

Thanks to a combination of bursaries and grants, as well as the Nedbank Mike Brown Scholarship, Lwandisile, a young man from Orange Farm, became a first-generation graduate in his family.

“Without funding, my journey would have ended before it began. Bursary support removed the constant pressure of survival and allowed me to focus my energy on building something meaningful through education,” he explained.

Lwandisile has never forgotten the kindness and support shown to him throughout university. Now a master’s student, he is paying it forward by turning his gratitude into responsibility. He serves as the current vice-chairperson of the senior Prim Committee and is involved in several leadership initiatives at SU that support and empower students.

On a more personal level, he has founded the Mhlanga Foundation, a community-focused initiative he started in Orange Farm last year to help learners from his hometown access higher education.

The foundation currently focuses mainly on Grade 12 learners, assisting them with university and college applications, sharing information about study options, helping them understand bursary opportunities, and guiding them as they plan for life after school.

His long-term vision is to develop the Mhlanga Foundation into a structured programme that supports learners from Grade 4 to matric.

“The Foundation’s ultimate goal is to remind young people that their background does not have to limit their future,” he said.

The young man who arrived in a new city with a suitcase and big dreams is now the leader who is using their experiences to open doors for others and help shape a brighter future. Now that’s a young South African who is rising by lifting others and worthy of our applause!