First-year Bachelor of Social Science student, Atenkosi, has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign titled Help Atenkosi Stay at UCT – Every Rand Counts! to cover outstanding registration and residence fees that currently jeopardise her second year of study.
Despite working hard throughout her matric year to earn her place at UCT, Atenkosi now faces the risk of being unable to register due to debt on her student account. Without access to her end-of-year transcript, her academic progress could be paused, a situation familiar to many students from low-income households across South Africa.
Raised between Johannesburg and the Eastern Cape, Atenkosi says her childhood was shaped by change and responsibility at an early age.
“My childhood was a mixture of love and learning to adapt,” she says. “I learned to appreciate the little things and to never take education or support for granted.”
That mindset followed her into her final year of school, where long study hours and constant pressure eventually paid off. Receiving her UCT acceptance letter remains one of her most vivid memories.
“It felt like a deep exhale after months of holding my breath,” she says. “It wasn’t just my win, it belonged to my family too.”
A Family Focused on Education
Education has always been a priority in Atenkosi’s household, even when finances were stretched. Her mother has consistently placed her children’s schooling first, making difficult financial choices along the way.
Recently, Atenkosi learned that her mother has considered selling personal belongings to help cover university costs. “That moment stayed with me,” she says. “It made me realise how much this opportunity means to my family.”
Being the first in her family to attend university carries added weight. Atenkosi says that awareness shapes how seriously she approaches her studies and why continuing them matters so deeply.
When the Community Steps In
With limited options left, Atenkosi decided to take her story beyond her immediate circle. She shared her campaign across social media, reached out to companies and UCT alumni, and even went door to door in her community.
“I didn’t want to face this alone,” she says. “I just want the chance to continue my studies and see where this journey leads.”
What followed surprised her. Donations began coming in from people she had never met, some as meaningful as R20. “Seeing those amounts come through reminded me of Ubuntu,” she says. “Even small contributions made me feel supported.”
To date, more than 400 people have contributed to her campaign, showing how collective effort can add up when many give what they can.
“Every message, every donation, every share has helped more than people realise,” she says. “It reminds me that I’m not doing this on my own.”
To support Atenkosi Melisa Mzilikazi and help her continue her studies at UCT, visit her BackaBuddy campaign:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-atenkosi-stay-at-uct-every-rand-counts
