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A storm is brewing in the quiet villages of Limpopo after a mother, known only as MaKhumalo, made a confession that has left many both shocked and heartbroken.
She appears to be in her late 30s — poised, soft-spoken, and strikingly beautiful in a way that turns heads without effort. But behind her calm face lies a story of desperation.
MaKhumalo recently took her daughter, Andile, a student in her early 20s at the University of Limpopo, to an “interview” with Ivo Suzee — the controversial owner of African Casting.
The agency has been under public scrutiny after being flagged by South African Police Service (SAPS) weeks ago amid allegations that it operates as a fake modelling front with disturbing undertones.
When we reached out to MaKhumalo to ask why she would knowingly take her daughter to such a place, her voice trembled — not with fear, but with exhaustion.
“It’s hard raising money for school fees,” she said quietly. “People talk. But they don’t know what it means to choose between your child dropping out and your own dignity.”
Andile is currently studying towards a degree in Economics. According to her mother, the pressure of tertiary fees, accommodation, textbooks, and simply “fitting in” at university has been overwhelming.
Without going into explicit detail, MaKhumalo admitted that after what happened during that meeting — “the kind of adult things we can’t speak about publicly” — they each received R10 000. She says she handed her portion to Andile, bringing the total to R20 000.
“I wanted her to have enough for registration. Enough to buy proper clothes. I didn’t want her to feel like an outsider at school,” she said.
In a chilling vow, the single mother declared: “For my daughter, I will do anything. Even if it is shameful. I am alone. There is no one else helping me.”
Her words have ignited fierce debate across social media. Some call her actions reckless. Others see a woman cornered by poverty, navigating a broken system.
But one thing is certain — no student should feel forced into compromising situations to afford education.
Before you watch the full interview below, here are ten legitimate bursaries, scholarships, and learnerships in South Africa that students can apply for — so no one feels pressured into dangerous shortcuts.
1. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme provides funding for tuition, accommodation, and allowances to students from low-income households studying at public universities and TVET colleges. It remains one of the largest education support systems in the country.
2. Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme supports students pursuing teaching qualifications, particularly in scarce subject areas. Recipients commit to teaching at public schools after graduation.
3. Nedbank External Bursary Fund
The Nedbank offers bursaries for students studying in fields like commerce, science, and engineering, covering tuition and living expenses.
4. Sasol Bursary Scheme
The Sasol provides comprehensive bursaries in engineering and science disciplines, including mentorship and vacation work opportunities.
5. Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation supports young entrepreneurs with funding and leadership development throughout their university journey.
6. Shoprite Bursary Programme
The Shoprite funds students in retail business management, accounting, and IT-related qualifications, often offering workplace exposure.
7. Investec Tertiary Bursary Programme
The Investec provides financial assistance to academically strong students from disadvantaged backgrounds in commerce and finance-related degrees.
8. Vodacom Bursary Programme
The Vodacom offers funding for ICT and engineering students, including tuition and accommodation support.
9. Standard Bank Group Bursary
The Standard Bank supports undergraduate and postgraduate students in fields aligned with banking and finance careers.
10. Department of Higher Education and Training Learnerships
The Department of Higher Education and Training facilitates learnerships that combine theoretical study with workplace training, giving students both income and qualifications.
Education should open doors — not close them.
As this story continues to unfold in Limpopo, one question lingers: how many more families are silently battling the same pressures behind closed doors?
