Tshimangadzo Mukwevho, a law student at the University of Venda (Univen), is one of 18 students and junior lecturers from 20 national universities to have been awarded an Abe Bailey Travel Bursary for 2022.
The Abe Bailey Bursary is awarded to students who are academically strong, have shown exceptional leadership qualities, actively take part in community service, and have good track records - not only at a campus level but also in a wider social context. The bursary covers all expenses to visit the United Kingdom, allowing young South Africans to experience the British culture, helping them to understand the viewpoints and opinions of people from different backgrounds, and encouraging leadership that demonstrates open debate and mutual respect.
Mukwevho, born and bred in Gumela village in Mutale, is in his final year of obtaining his Master of Law degree in Human Rights. He completed his matric at Matavhela Secondary in 2016, whereafter he enrolled for his Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree at Univen.
From 2019 to 2020, he served as a formal criminal-law tutor, constitutional-law tutor, administrative-law tutor and a peer helper at the university. Between 2019 and 2021, he was deputy chairperson of the Law Students Council, and currently serves as deputy chairperson of the postgraduate committee at Univen. He also participated in a community service programme hosted by Univen's department of mercantile law.
Asked how it felt to be among these privileged chosen few, Mukwevho said that he was extremely excited, especially considering that fact that he had battled it out with hundreds of students and junior lecturers.