An Eye on the Bigger Picture

An Eye on the Bigger Picture

‘When one pursues a purpose, it no longer becomes about each situation, challenge or day, but how these fit into the bigger picture of who one is and what one is placed on this earth for.’

These are the inspiring words of Rick Turner Scholarship awardee Ms Pearl Biyela who is pursuing a Master of Theology degree in the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics on the Pietermaritzburg campus. She also holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from UKZN and completed her Honours in Theology in 2022. Her current study focuses on Prosperity Gospel and its theology in the context of Africa’s colonial history.

The Rick Turner Scholarship was established to honour the memory and contributions of Dr Richard Turner to the Discipline of Political Science at the University and his broader contribution to civil society. It is awarded to excellent postgraduate students in the broad disciplines of Politics and Labour Studies who also exhibit a commitment to community engagement.

Biyela said, ‘Receiving this scholarship reaffirms not only my trajectory in my personal development and academic efforts but also how these will translate into meaningful contributions to society.’

While she is undecided on her future studies and career goals, she said that her legal and theological expertise will always form part of the role she plays in society. She plans to contribute to academic research and writing which considers and seeks answers to some of today’s burning societal questions. Straddling the legal and theological worlds, Biyela is well-placed to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to questions affecting both.

Her experience at UKZN has motivated her to explore herself both personally and academically and provided a conducive platform to reach great heights. She is committed to contributing to the University by means of her academic research and ensuring such contributions influence research at a global scale in the legal and theological spheres.

Biyela has contributed to academic debate around issues of gender and access in the legal world through a number of leadership positions. She is the former branch chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association (BLA) at UKZN, former BLA Student Chapter (BLASC) Female President, and a member of the Southern African Development Community Lawyers’ Association Student Council. Noting that her generation has benefitted from the sacrifices made by the women who came before them, she is committed to working to increase opportunities for the next generation in the legal and theological worlds.

Self-belief, a sense of purpose and the ability to stay true to herself have sustained her through challenging situations.

Words: Jennene Naidu

Photograph: Supplied