With a strong focus on funding and mentoring for graduate and undergraduate students, Golden Key (GK) International Honour Society offers numerous scholarships and awards, available only to members, as well as career development, networking and literacy service opportunities and unique discounts from partner companies.
Student Development Officers Cherice Mangiagalli and Melani-Ann Hara, who serve as advisors for Golden Key SA - CPUT Chapter, say GK has chapters at over 400 colleges and universities in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, The Bahamas and the United States. Mangiagalli states that membership in the Society is by invitation only and applies to the top 15% of college and university sophomores, juniors, seniors, and top-performing graduate students in all fields of study, based solely on their academic achievements.
President of the GK CPUT chapter, Simphiwe Ngubane, shared his experience:
Simphiwe reveals that being made a part of GK last year and representing CPUT at the DHL 2021 Top 100 Most Employable Students in South Africa “have truly been the cherries on top of my time here at CPUT”. “We all go through challenges in life, and what I can account as one of the more difficult challenges is finding a reason every day to commit to myself, my studies and what I see as my path- all this comes about in the context of a world attempting to dictate to you what you should do, how you should do it and where you should go: the reason I consistently conjure up is, all this is leading you somewhere, don't give up,” he says.
The Durban-born-final-year BSc in Geomatics student “owes” his success to his mother and grandmother, “whom I will forever be grateful to for inculcating the critical importance of education to thrive and succeed in this world”.
Simphiwe was appointed a member of the Golden Key Executive this year through an interview and selection process. He says: “I would like to take the opportunity to advocate as many Golden Key members as possible to avail themselves of this opportunity for the upcoming year: leadership, academic excellence, and personal development are part and parcel of what GK stands for and it is what we as a CPUT student body should be consistently advocating for.”
Reflecting on life challenges in our communities, Simphiwe says: “One doesn’t need to know too much of the country's state. The interminable load shedding, the rising cost of fuel and living costs are stark reminders of the state of our communities. Ultimately, what we must look toward is credible leadership in navigating the challenges this country faces and will face tomorrow. Golden Key is a shining canvass of opportunity to accelerate the growth of the type of person that will steer this country.”
He says being part of GK has helped him access many worthwhile opportunities through webinars, broadcasts for scholarships, job opportunities, etc. “I am an Olico Maths Tutor because of Golden Key; my involvement with the 2021 DHL Gradstar Top 100 most employable students in South Africa would not have been possible without Golden Key.”
Simphiwe also encourages his fellow students to be part of Golden Key society. “Decide to join; you won’t regret it; membership means being part of a community of exceptional individuals from across the world; doors open to you automatically by association.” Simphiwe serves on the CPUT Golden Key executive committee alongside Uchenna Okwuosa – Treasurer; Mahlatse Ramakgoakgoa - Service Director & Campus Community Outreach Director; and Xolisa Skweyiya – Secretary.
Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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