Francesca Villette
A YOUNG student whose National Student Financial Aid Scheme loan application was rejected is not sitting back and waiting for a sponsorship.
Ayanda Chiya, 24, aware that his future is his responsibility, has written a book to raise money for his and other students’ tuition.
Chiya, from Soweto, should have been in his third year of his public relations course, but in January the NSFAS told him he did not qualify for a bursary.
Although distressed at first, Chiya wrote a translation e-book titled IsiZulu Is Easy, which teaches people how to speak isiZulu.
The book is divided into sections and has common phrases in social communication, romantic communication, corporate communication, domestic communication and spiritual communication.
The book went live on online shopping website Bidorbuy on Monday and costs R100.
Chiya said he hoped to be able to sell at least 5 000 copies and, with the funds generated, pay for his and another 150 Unisa students’ tuition.
“While I studied I realised that many people are eager to learn the language, and I thought it would be a great idea to help.
“I live with my aunt at the moment and I don’t have a steady job. I have not sold any books yet, but I am hoping that it will sell. The last thing I am going to do is sit back and not even try,” Chiya said.
Chiya was successful in his application for first and second year.
NSFAS spokesperson Kagisho Mamabolo said this week that a new financing process was being researched. He said change was coming. More students will be funded.
To buy the book go to http://www. bidorbuy.co.za/item/227221553/Isi Zulu_Is_Easy.html
@FrancescaJaneV