Education has the power to transform lives, but for many talented students, financial barriers make that dream seem out of reach. With your help, The 1904 Club is changing that by providing crucial support to students who refuse to give up, no matter the obstacles they face. Siyanda and Tafadzwa are just two of many whose futures have been shaped by your generosity—proof that when we invest in potential, we create lasting change.

Siyanda Centwa, who has lived in Makhanda, South Africa, all his life. A few years ago, he and his family were evicted from their mud hut and were not eligible for municipal housing. In the same year, Siyanda’s sister was raped and murdered. But instead of giving up, Siyanda joined the Mfuzo Boxing Club, found a temporary job using his language skills as an interpreter at the High Court – and doggedly pursued the opportunity to study at Rhodes. With an annual income of one R3,500 per year, and a degree fee of R32,000, that looked unlikely – even impossible. He is now a BA Law student.

Growing up as the youngest of three brothers in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tafadzwa Sherewa always felt the weight of expectation—education was the foundation of our future, and my parents ensured that he worked hard. While academics were the priority, basketball became a passion, a safe space that gave purpose beyond textbooks and exams. The 1904 Club Grant gave the support to Tafadzwa while chasing his dream of becoming an ICT Systems Analyst. With your support, he was able to prove that passion and perseverance can coexist, and that with the right support, dreams—both on and off the court—are within reach.

For many, the dream of higher education is not just about ambition; it is a battle against overwhelming odds. Whether it’s Siyanda, who overcame personal tragedy and financial hardship to pursue a BA Law degree, or Tafadzwa, who balanced his love for basketball with academic excellence despite significant challenges, their journeys remind us why support matters. The 1904 Club exists for students like them—those with the drive, the passion, and the determination to succeed but who need a helping hand to turn their dreams into reality.