Finding the forgotten graduate ... one scholarship at a time
In 2022 , PPS launched the Pioneer Scholarship to honour South Africa ’ s pioneering graduates and support the education of the brightest minds starting or advancing their university journeys today . During the process of “ Finding the Forgotten Graduate ”, PPS calculated the value of a life policy that would have been held by South Africa ’ s first ever medical doctor of colour , Dr William Anderson Soga , who graduated in 1884 . PPS then awarded him the world ’ s first and only Posthumous Life Policy™ worth R9 million , establishing the PPS Pioneer Scholarship .
The scholarship is awarded on academic merit , regardless of background ; and both undergraduate and postgraduates are eligible to apply if they achieved a minimum overall average of 85 % for their most recent studies in Science , Technology , Engineering and Mathematics ( STEM ).
Here is what the 2023 recipients of the inaugural PPS Pioneer Scholarship had to say about being selected .
Marico “ Rico ” Roman
Marico “ Rico ” Roman , a second-year medical student ( MBChB ) at Stellenbosch University , was in total shock and disbelief upon receiving the scholarship from PPS . Hailing from Grassy Park in Cape Town , he was attending a lecture when he received the call and could not wait to call his mother .
Besides applying for the scholarship , Marico was attracted to PPS because of its focus on nurturing graduate potential and supporting young people . “ This means they care that I become a graduate and make a meaningful impact in my community .”
Commenting on the legacy of the Forgotten Graduates and what ground-breaking impact he hopes to have in his own field of study , Marico says : “ My dream is to develop in emergency relief and humanitarian aid . I grew up idolising the Red Cross and Doctors without Borders because of how they give their skill to those who are least able to afford good medical care .”
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