Bursary bonanza

Cindy Liebenberg
A CHANCE meeting, followed by some freelance writing for Our Times, has led to a R30000 study bursary compliments of Algoa FM and Varsity College for Nosphiwo Poti.
To become a journalist had always been her dream, Poti said, but financial difficulties prevented her.

"It is the first time in my life I have won anything, this is so amazing. I can’t believe I’m going to be a reporter. Thanks to everyone who has made this dream come true for me.”
The single mother will be doing a two-year full time diploma in journalism at Varsity College in Port Elizabeth.
Our Times reported last year that Poti was afforded an opportunity to attend the COP 17 Climate conference in Durban, as the guest of Woman’s Net Media. Her name was put forward by Marvin Terblanche of Kouga FM. He and Poti were attempting to get the station off the ground at the time.
However, spotting an opportunity when it presented itself, Poti immediately accepted an invitation to do a spot of freelance writing for Our Times.
Since then she has shown remarkable insight into her own community of KwaNomzamu, and has written a few insightful columns for the publication as well.
Earlier this year Our Times encouraged Poti to enter the on-line competition: Your Dream Job presented by Algoa FM and Varsity College.
Entrants were required to write a short piece on what their dream job would be as well as send a photograph of themselves.
After writing a short piece straight from her heart, the ever intrepid Poti posed for the picture in front of Our Times offices depicting herself as a hack, and according to the judges this is what clinched it for her.
Poti said she almost missed the call that came to inform her of her win.
"My phone was off but I had also given my fiancé’s number, but he also missed the call.”

Poti said it gave her cold shivers to think that something so insignificant almost cost her the competition. Fortunately the competition organisers managed to get hold of her the following day.
As the prize only covers the course fees, and Poti does not have the money to pay for her text books, Algoa FM has again stepped in. She is responsible for her own accommodation, transport and other living expenses.
Yet it is not all going to be plain sailing because as a single mom, Poti is expected to move to Port Elizabeth where she will be a full-time student.
"My daughter will be staying with my fiancé’s mother in Jeffreys Bay. I am very grateful to her, I will miss my baby terribly but nothing will deter me from this. I will make it work. This is living proof that if you want something badly enough and are prepared to go all out you can make it.
"Thank you, thank you all.”