Mr Sihle Ngxabi (Master of Horticultural Science

Dr Blessing Makwambeni, research supervisor, says: “I taught Ms Jayiya from her third year and co-supervised her research. Before doing the master’s I taught them [undergraduates] research methodology and I knew that she was going to do well in master’s. She was disciplined. She was extremely organised, focused and self-driven. It was easy to supervise her because she follows instructions.”

Jayiya says being a recipient of the VC Prestigious Achievers Award motivated her to do the best and get good marks.

Reflecting on her life journey, Jayiya reveals that she comes from a family of four raised by a single mother who was unable to finish high school after she lost her parents at a very young age.

“Growing up on the Cape Flats was never easy, crime was at its peak, young girls being raped, young boys got pulled into drugs, etc. One had to make a decision of which route she wanted for herself. I grew up telling myself that I will go to school, graduate, get a job and move my family away from that life. The reality is that life is not as smooth but we can only do our best to navigate the hardships that we go through.”

In her message to youth coming from a similar background, Jayiya says: “Believe in yourself. Believe in your own uniqueness as a person. Ignore the pressures around you, telling you that you’re not anybody unless you have this or that. In the end, you have to affirm yourself and not compare yourself to someone else. Remember, you always have a choice and you can always do something to change a situation.”

Believe in yourself. Believe in your own uniqueness as a person. Remember, you always have a choice and you can always do something to change a situation.

PHD CANDIDATE LAUDS VICE-CHANCELLOR’S PRESTIGIOUS ACHIEVERS AWARDS

SUCCESS: Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award recipient, Sihle Ngxabi, is pursuing his doctoral studies in Horticultural Sciences.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award played a “very significant role” for Sihle Ngxabi, PhD candidate in Horticultural Sciences, as it enabled him to focus on his research fully without worrying about the fees or living expenses. Although an excellent student, Ngxabi’s studies had always been accompanied by financial struggles.

Born in Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape, Ngxabi enrolled for his National Diploma in Horticultural Sciences in 2014, which he completed in 2016, finishing at the top of his class and second in the Applied Sciences Faculty. He graduated cum laude, scoring 23 distinctions out of 27 subjects and achieving an average of 84% overall. Ngxabi enrolled for a BTech in 2017 and again graduated cum laude, scoring distinctions in all subjects. Encouraged by his lecturers and mentors, he enrolled for a Master in Horticultural Sciences degree, which he obtained in 2021.

His research topic, “The effect of different growth media and salinity on the vegetative growth of Trachyandra ciliata (wild cabbage) in hydroponics”, was motivated by the edible plant’s drought tolerance.

“The idea was to study its nutritional and phytochemical properties and recommend

it for commercial vegetable markets to strengthen food security,” he says.

Ngxabi managed to publish two scientific papers in accredited peer-reviewed journals.

“I am currently registered for a PhD in Horticultural sciences because I would like to take the study about this plant to its logical conclusion and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Smart CPUT 2030 [Vision]. My research topic is “The effect of salt stress on the nutraceutical, phytochemical, and physiological properties of Trachyandra ciliata: an edible halophyte from the Western Cape”.

Ngxabi’s academic success came in the face of severe financial stress. During his undergraduate studies he travelled to and from the campus by train. Sometimes he did not have money for a train ticket and would wait for the last train to go home when the ticket inspecting officials would have left the station.

Ngxabi struggled to pay his fees and he was rescued by his classmates and one of his lecturers who contributed to pay the required amount.

“Many who were in my position gave up and dropped out, but my strong mentality, positive thinking and ability to create something out of nothing kept me going. Achieving those excellent marks and the fact that I have never scored a mark less than 65% throughout my university studies under the circumstances will always be the highlight of my journey.” Research supervisor, Prof Charles Laubscher, says: “Sihle was very efficient. He got his proposal in a short space of time. Sihle didn’t have a topic when he came to me. We discussed what we can do to respond to food security challenges in Africa. His research is very valuable. He is continuing to research on the same species for his PhD, especially researching the medicinal benefits, and I am pleased to supervise his PhD as well.”

Ngxabi, in turn, says the assistance and motivation he received from his lecturers during his studies was amazing. His research supervisors contributed enormously to his growth as a researcher. “I also drew a lot of strength and inspiration from members of the management that I have interacted with during my time in the Student Representative Council.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to my classmates for their unwavering support in difficult times. Without them the road would have been harder.” Ngxabi is deeply appreciative of the university rewarding hard-working and dedicated individuals that excel academically.

Ngxabi says: “I am sincerely honoured to have been one of the recipients of this prestigious award. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the ViceChancellor and the awards committee for all the assistance and generosity throughout the journey. You are making a difference and we appreciate all that you are doing to the CPUT community. May you live to realise ‘One Smart CPUT’.”