Zandile Jilana’s childhood, marked by loss and instability, could have easily defined her future. Yet, despite navigating the grief of losing both parents and the uncertainty of moving between households, Zandile has accomplished what many young people dream of.
Makhanda, South Africa (13 April 2025) – For Zandile Jilana, childhood wasn’t necessarily a pleasant or stable one, not for any fault of her own.
Born in Makhanda but raised in Cape Town, she moved between households after her father’s passing in 2013. She returned to Makhanda in 2014 to live with her mother, who sadly passed on during Zandile’s matric year.
According to Rhodes University, Zandile moved between relatives who eventually could no longer accommodate her. She then moved in with a friend and her family, who took her in permanently.
Growing up presented significant pain and challenges for Zandile, yet she persevered through it all, got through school, and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rhodes – an accomplishment worthy of recognition and celebration given the numerous obstacles she overcame to attain it.
But she didn’t stop there, Zandile furthered her studies, which at the start of 2025 was met with another set of obstacles.
Even when faced with the daunting hurdle of financial struggles threatening to derail her postgraduate aspirations, Zandile’s resilience did not waver. She managed to secure a Rhodes Council Loan through the University’s postgraduate funding office, allowing her to finally register – the university shares.
Her perseverance was further rewarded two days later when she received the Bradlow Foundation Scholarship, ensuring financial stability for her honours studies in Journalism.
Reflecting on her journey, Jilana acknowledges the hardships but remains hopeful about the future:
“I was just about to give up, and then everything started falling into place,” she said.
“I’m grateful to be here and to keep moving forward.”
Her gratitude and forward-looking perspective serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that even when hope seems lost, the possibility of a breakthrough always remains.
Sources: Rhodes University
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