SCHOLARSHIP OPENS HEALTHCARE ACCESS FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

Limited access to healthcare in Mmasebudule, near Zeerust in the North West, has directly influenced the path of third-year medical student and local scholarship recipient, Rhulani Arlinda Modipane. After losing a family member to cancer due to limited access to proper healthcare, the Mmasebudule resident, chose to pursue medicine, with the goal of specialising in Oncology.

“I want to be in a position where I can make a real difference in people’s lives, especially during their most vulnerable moments. I hope to contribute to improving cancer care in my community and be part of efforts that make treatment more accessible,” said Modipane.

Awarded the Zeerust Solar Scholarship in 2026, Modipane is studying towards a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Pretoria. The six-year qualification positions her to return as a healthcare professional in a community where access to medical services remains limited.

“This scholarship means more than financial support; it changes the direction of my life and my family’s future. It allows me to focus fully on becoming the best doctor I can be. For my family, it brings relief and hope and reassures them that their sacrifices have not been in vain,” said Modipane.

This scholarship programme was created to provide vital financial support for youth living within a 50km radius of the Zeerust Solar facility, with the primary aim of contributing to the local human resource development, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.