Kevin Phehla, first beneficiary of the Benjamin Phehla Bursaryfund, received a BEd degree on 5 April during the Faculty ofHumanities’ graduation ceremony.
Kevin is the younger brother of Benjamin Phehla who lost his life during the #FeesMustFall protest action in October 2016. The University announced the bursary fund in October 2016, in honor of the late Benjamin, a dedicated student leader and fallen hero.
The purpose of the bursary fund is to create a funding opportunity for a deserving first-year student to further and complete his/her undergraduate studies. The beneficiary must be from the faculty of ICT or any direct sibling of the late Benjamin Phehla.
Kevin said the day was a stark reminder of the reality that his brother and comrade, Benjamin Phehla passed away on 16 October in a tragic incident that robbed him of a future and an opportunity to graduate. “Today, as I receive my BEd, I did it for him as well. His memory motivated and kept me going,” he said. He added that he was very happy. “I am very proud and happy and I appreciate the fact that the entire institution had my back, supporting me to pull this through.”
“Being the first graduate of the bursary, demonstrates that I am indeed leading by example,” Kevin said.
He concluded by commending the University for empowering him to become a competitive professional in the corporate sector. “TUT equipped me with ample knowledge and skills to compete equally in the world of work - our curriculum certainly ensures that we become the best.”