Mérieux NutriSciences Partners with UKZN Foundation to Support Medical Students

Mérieux NutriSciences (MXNS), a global leader in food safety, quality and sustainability, has partnered with the UKZN Foundation to offer bursaries to deserving Medical students at UKZN.

This shared commitment will empower the next generation of leaders, particularly in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Human Resources Officer at Mérieux NutriSciences Ms Janice Adams, expressed the company’s dedication to supporting education. ‘We understand that through education, we are able to empower our youth to become future leaders and responsible citizens in our community,’ said Adams. She emphasised that ‘financial challenges should not stand in the way of talented students pursuing STEM careers.’

The bursary programme is the start of a long-term collaboration between MXNS and UKZN. Adams highlighted the company’s enthusiasm for exploring further engagements with the University. ‘We look forward to continued support for education, and this bursary programme is only the first step toward broader collaboration with UKZN,’ she added.

In addition to financial assistance, Mérieux NutriSciences actively engages with bursary recipients throughout their academic journey, offering internships to 10 students each year at various MXNS branches. This hands-on experience provides students with practical industry skills, complementing their academic learning.

Several former bursary recipients have gone on to secure employment within the company, showcasing the success of the partnership between MXNS and UKZN in creating pathways for young graduates to enter the workforce and contribute to the industry.

Mr S’Khona Letsipa, a final-year Medical student and bursary recipient at UKZN is grateful for the financial relief provided by MXNS and the UKZN Foundation, highlighting how the support helped him focus on his studies without the added stress of tuition fees. ‘Higher Education in South Africa is costly and adds to the stress of academics. Receiving financial assistance relieved the burden of worrying about how I would pay for tuition fees, allowing me to have a positive mental state,’ he said.

As he approaches the end of his Medical studies, Letsipa is excited about the future and passionate about rural health and paediatrics. ‘I want to work in public health and help people in rural areas access good healthcare. I’m also passionate about child health, and I see myself specialising in paediatrics. The future holds a lot of possibilities, and I am excited to see what happens,’ he added.

Letsipa’s message of resilience to fellow students pursuing Higher Education is: ‘Never give up on your dreams, and even with the challenges you may face, remember that your ultimate goal is to finish the degree. Your hard work will pay off in the end – never let go and never give up.’

Words: Melissa Mungroo

Photograph: Supplied