Young Northern Cape social worker credits Noupoort Bursary programme for her community impact

YONELA Ngcwelekazi Sicina, 25, is building her career in social work through the Department of Social Development in Philipstown.

A beneficiary of a local bursary programme, she is committed to giving back and hopes to return to Noupoort in the future - whether through a community initiative or her own efforts - to support and encourage others in her hometown.

Born and raised in Noupoort, Yonela was brought up under her grandmother’s care while her mother worked long hours as a nurse. After her mother’s passing, she briefly considered following in her footsteps, but soon realised her true calling was in social work.

“I was always focused on passing and moving forward. Losing my mother motivated me to work even harder to create a better future for myself. But I realised I didn’t have the heart for nursing, I wanted a career where I could make a real difference in people’s lives,” she explains.

Awarded a bursary from Noupoort Wind Farm in 2019, the financial support helped ease the burden on her father and aunt and enabled her to devote her full time to her studies at the University of Fort Hare.

After graduating in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Social Work, Yonela began her career as a Social Work Intern at the Department of Social Development in Philipstown. Now a permanent employee, her daily work involves supporting children, families, older persons, and individuals living with disabilities, a role she describes as both demanding and deeply fulfilling.

“Every day brings new challenges. But being able to help someone, sometimes an entire family, makes it all worth it,” she says.

Looking ahead, Yonela aims to further her education by pursuing an honours degree and eventually a master’s qualification, while continuing to gain practical experience in the field.

Her message to young people in her community is, “Focus on your studies, find what you’re passionate about, and choose a degree that opens doors rather than limits them. Work hard, equip yourself, and chase what truly excites you.”

Launched in 2018, the Noupoort Wind Farm Bursary Programme offers learners from Noupoort the opportunity to study at recognised universities and earn accredited bachelor’s degrees. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, books and a monthly living allowance. Furthermore, mentoring support is provided to students to help them deal with the pressures and expectations of tertiary education.