Thabani Nzimande
A visit to Summerhill and the School of Excellence by the head of the Childwick Trust, Anthony Cane, last year, led to a full scholarship being awarded to the top previously disadvantaged student graduating from the School of Excellence in 2011.
The seven students (hailing from top studs Drakenstein, Highlands, Maine Chance, Summerhill, and Steff du Preez’s yard through the De Kocks) attended the inaugural course, surpassing every expectation.
The selection panel met with the Class of 2011 prior to their departure from the school at the end of September, and were reviewed according to a specific selection protocol, incorporating requirements based on the National Stud course curriculum and included areas of academic achievement, English language skills, attitude and leadership, the ability to work in a team, and emotional intelligence.
Esteemed school governors, Judge Alan Magid and ex Jockey Club Chairman Ronnie Napier, who had the difficult task selecting the top student, brought the necessary impartiality, as well as providing the process with the integrity and credibility it demanded. They attended the students’ final presentations, and conducted intimate interviews with each of them. These young men made a huge impression, and the governors found the entire process and interaction with the group both positive and uplifting.
It was a very closely contested competition for the scholarship, and without exception the students excelled and did their farms proud, but unfortunately there could only be only one. The scholarship has been awarded to deserving recipient, Thabani Nzimande, winner of the Bryan and Erica Goss Trophy for the Top Student of 2011, with young Marius Losch of Maine Chance, just 19 years old, winning the award for Most Promising student.
Thabani’s dream was to become a paramedic once he had completed his high school education, and obtained a Diploma in Paramedics from the Academy of Emergency Care in Pinetown, Durban. After a stint in Johannesburg, juggling jobs to send money home, he returned to Mooi River, and started out as a stable cleaner at Summerhill, where he has worked in the Pre-training & Sales division under the guidance and mentorship of Michael Booysen and Tarryn Liebenberg for the past 4 years. He earned an international scholarship at Summerhill in 2010, and travelled to the USA where he served an apprenticeship with renowned Florida pinhooker, Sequal Bloodstock’s Becky Thomas.
Hamba Kahle, Thabani, we know you’ll do the Al Maktoum School of Excellence and South Africa proud.
Bursary Applications welcome. Please contact Heather Morkel on
082 871 6915
