On Saturday, 15 August at the Loeries Africa & Middle East Awards at Durban's International Convention Centre, Durban Girls' High School students Yolisa Motha and Nomfundo Mcoyi were named recipients of the Loeries Creative Future scholarship. In addition, Azuri Muhuli from Glenwood High School and Wandile Cele from Hillgrove High School were awarded a full, one-year bursary to study a Higher Certificate in Creative Development at Vega School of Brand Leadership in Durban. A three-year bursary at Design School South Africa in Durban was awarded to another Durban Girls' High School student, Melissa Paterson.

The scholarships include fees, as well as allowances for study materials and textbooks, living expenses, and transport, and a notebook computer in their second year of study.

In addition, the students will receive mentorship, internships and assistance with employment when they have completed their studies.

Yolisa Motha & Nomfundo Mcoyi

The Loeries Creative Future Scholarship will provide the students with mentorship from Greg Tregoning, co-founder of Vega School of Brand Leadership, assistance with internships, as well as management of allowances of R20,000 per year. The total value of each scholarship is R500,000.

The scholarship's aim is to assist learners from disadvantaged backgrounds to study brand communication on a tertiary level, and build awareness of the career opportunities available in the creative services sector. The scholarship programme continues to transform the lives of young creatives with the opportunity to explore their creative talents.

"It is so important for us to lead the conversation that creativity can transform young lives. This opportunity can lead to a successful career path and a bright future for school learners," says Andrew Human, CEO of the Loeries.

"I don't even have words that can describe the amount of gratitude I have for Loeries for giving me such an opportunity by awarding me with the Creative Future scholarship. It's life changing," said an elated Mcoyi.

"I watched Yolisa and Nomfundo grow over three years and it's wonderful to know that they are now able to apply their creative minds to any problem in any walk of life. I will follow their progress with interest," adds the two's proud teacher Neith Moore, Head of Visual Arts and Design at Durban Girls' High School.

"We celebrate the success of each individual who has been through our programme, but at the same time, we are proud of our broader contribution to the transformation of the brand communications industry through the Creative Future Scholarship awareness campaign," said Human.

In 2015, only Grade 12 learners in KwaZulu-Natal, who come from a disadvantaged background were eligible.