Maritime Law Students receive Honorary Scholarship

Ms Okuhle Tamella and Mr Nkululeko Chiliza, received the prestigious Steven Wallace Trust Scholarship.

Two students in the Maritime Law and Maritime Studies Unit, Ms Okuhle Tamella and Mr Nkululeko Chiliza, have been awarded the prestigious Steven Wallace Trust Scholarship.

Both recipients were overjoyed and also relieved because of the financial burden lifted off their shoulders by the scholarship.

‘I am beyond humbled and my family couldn’t be happier!’ said Tamella, who grew up in Kokstad, later moving with her family to Durban where she matriculated at New Forest High School.

Having won a scholarship in her matric year to Rhodes University following her participation in the De Beers English Olympiad, Tamella chose to study Law at UKZN.

She believes she was chosen for the latest scholarship because of her determination and enthusiasm. ‘I think the fact that I am a well-rounded individual was a considerable factor. I have always sought to strike a good balance in my studies, work and personal life.’

Tamella’s plans for the future include serving her Articles after she completes her master’s degree, being admitted as a practising maritime attorney and ultimately furthering her studies at the World Maritime University.

‘The scholarship is concrete evidence that I am a step closer to realising my dreams and that despite difficulties I have faced along the way, a positive attitude and grabbing each and every opportunity that came my way have paid dividends.’

She advised young people to make the most of their time at high school and university and to take each and every opportunity available! ‘There is no such thing as failure – just a lesson learned,’ said Tamella.

Chiliza describes himself as tenacious, determined and always willing to give of his best – attributes he feels played a major role in him being awarded the Scholarship.

Chiliza, who grew up in a warm and loving family of 15 in Umthwalume, south of Durban, matriculated with five distinctions from Khathi High School.

He received a scholarship from the Moshal Scholarship Programme for his excellent performance during his first-year at UKZN which he says he is very grateful for as it played a role in him being awarded the Steven Wallace Trust Scholarship.

Chiliza hopes to serve his Articles next year, work as an associate in a maritime law firm and later be admitted to the Bar as an Advocate. ‘My ultimate goal is to give back to my community because I believe that if a person makes it in life, it is their moral duty to give back to the community’.

Tamella and Chiliza are studying towards a Master’s of Law in Maritime Law under the guidance and leadership of Professor Trevor Jones.

Both students thanked Jones and Ms Dusty-Lee Donnelly for their unwavering support.

Reatlehile Karabo Moeti