Nurturing the potential of our future professionals: Timeeka Govender

The PPS Foundation improves young South Africans’ access to tertiary education by selecting students displaying meritorious academic achievements and supporting them throughout their academic tenure. This month we are featuring an exceptional young student, Timeeka Govender, who is a beneficiary of the PPS Foundation Bursary Programme.

1. Tell us about your PPS bursary experience and what receiving this bursary mean for you.

Last year I was accepted to do an honours degree in Pharmacology at Stellenbosch University. However, my parents could not fund my studies as they were retrenched in 2019. Fortunately, PPS awarded me a bursary. This was a dream come true as I would be one step closer to living my dream of becoming a medical doctor. I had one of the best student experiences in Cape Town as the PPS Foundation did not just cover my tuition but everything from books, stipend and accommodation to medical aid.

2. Did you have any mentors assisting you throughout the tenure of the bursary? If yes, what was that experience like?

Yes, Subashni Gounder has been my mentor from the beginning of my journey with the PPS Foundation. I am truly grateful for the guidance during the process of my bursary application and my studies. The constructive advice I received from Subashni will continue to influence me for years to come.

3. What qualification did you attain through this bursary? If you are still studying, then which qualification are you currently pursuing with the bursary and why did you choose to pursue this qualification?

With the PPS bursary, I obtained a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology (Cum Laude) at Stellenbosch University. During my undergraduate degree in Biomedicine, I began doing modules that delved more into the human body and instantly knew that I wanted to do something within the healthcare sector. I joined a volunteering programme at Kalafong Hospital. One day, while I was working a 12-hour shift, the proverbial penny dropped. I realised that helping people is  my passion. I valued that I was helping sick people and I loved the environment. It somewhat reminded me of the television series, Grey’s Anatomy. Currently, I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCH) programme at WITS (GEMP). Although getting into medical school has been a long journey, I am fully dedicated to it. The PPS Foundation is still helping me achieve my dream by sponsoring me for this qualification as well.

4. Tell us about a personal achievement that makes you proud.

My journey to medical school was long and included many tears, hard work and late nights. My most outstanding achievement to date was graduating my honours degree with distinction (Cum laude) and getting into the WITS GEMP programme. Dreams do come true as long as one is dedicated to achieving them.

5. What are your aspirations/goals for the near future?

I want to complete my MBBCH and strive to be the best doctor I can be. I want to be involved in different communities and make a difference, whether big or small. I want to make my family and the PPS Foundation proud.

6. Would you consider using PPS products/services once you enter the working environment? If yes, which product/service would you invest in and why?

Absolutely! As a future working graduate professional, I would need income protection, life and disability cover, and health professions indemnity. I believe there is no one better to ensure my success than the company that has been with me from the beginning – PPS.

7. Do you have any recommendations for improvement regarding the PPS Foundation Bursary?

None at all. The bursary programme has done more than I could have imagined. Not just in sponsoring my degrees, but checking up on how I am coping, giving me advice and wishing me good luck for all my exams. The PPS Foundation holds my hand through it all.

8. What are you currently doing or pursuing now?

I have been accepted into third-year medicine at WITS and have three more years to go until I qualify as a medical doctor.

The Professional Provident Society Foundation is a registered Public Benefit Organisation. Registration No. IT 873/2016(G)