Nkuna wins Biotechnology Fundi Award
Nkuna wins Biotechnology Fundi Award
Award recipient: Nkuna Cathrine Shalati
The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) has awarded Nkuna Cathrine Shalati with this year’s Fundi Award.
The Fundi Award is given to the student with the highest average mark in Biotechnology at a function held each year. The award is offered to encourage students to perform well in their studies.
As well as offering 12 scholarships to the value of R25 000 each to students in the department of Biotechnology, the GDARD also funds 12 Biotechnology students in their
in-service training. These students receive a monthly stipend which allows them to complete their WIL programme and return to VUT and register for a BTech degree.
There has been a general increase in the number of students registering for the BTech in the department of Biotechnology. It is envisaged that even more students will complete the degree. This is in line with the revised Gauteng Province’s Biotech Strategy.
Ms Shalati received a cash award of R4000 and is eligible for a one-year internship valued at R10 000, sponsored by biotechnology company, DNABiotech in Pretoria.
The programme is co-ordinated by Prof Michael Pillay from the Department of Biotechnology.