Students receive financial support from Trinco

It all started when a Durban businessman committed himself to paying 18-year-old Sandiso Shange's tuition fees for 2014 towards a national diploma in IT. This came after a moving story about how his grandmother, Khanyi Sibiya, had sold her bed so that her grandson could be able to register for his diploma studies. After selling her bed, Sibiya spent her nights sleeping on the floor.

The story touched the hearts of many, including Trinco Tea, part of Entyce Beverages. The company has pledged to donate R10,000 towards groceries for the whole year to Shange and his grandmother. Trinco has also committed to financially assist another student, Andile Hlatshwayo from Kenneth Gardens, a low-income community in Umbilo.

Improving marks

Mahmood Mall, Trinco marketing manager, met with Shange and Sibiya in Durban to hand over their cheques and to encourage them to go forward with their dreams and studies. "We were subsequently told about Andile Hlatshwayo, another student who also needed funding but could not go to varsity this year because his marks obtained in matric last year weren't good enough, so the next step was for him to get into a FET College to improve his Maths and Science percentages before he could get into Durban University of Technology the following year. We assisted him with R10,000 to cover his subjects, as well as books for the year. We believe in education and people empowering themselves through education, and this story ties in perfectly with our company's goals and motto," said Mall.

He added that Entyce Beverages would be also prepared to get extra tuition for Andile to help him pass. Lindy-Lou Alexander, Entyce Beverages Marketing Director said, "Education is key in assisting the disadvantaged youth to improve their own circumstances, hence we are associated with this platform. It is an honour to contribute towards their ambition, particularly as they have fought against all odds to try and get an education."

Excited about the great opportunity he's receiving, Andile is looking forward to studying. "I am happy to get a break like this from Trinco, and I am happy with the conditions of the offer - if I finish my course this year, I have to continue my tertiary studies at DUT and I am happy with that because it's very close to home," he said.