Ms Buyisiwe Khumalo.

 

Coordinator for the Academic Monitoring and Support/ Mentorship Programme in the College of Humanities, Ms Buyisiwe Khumalo, graduated with a Masters in Development Studies degree.

Khumalo suffered a severe setback with the death of her father in 2012 but she prevailed with highly valued support from her family and friends.

‘Things were not easy and I considered deregistering. However, my family -especially my mom and daughter – were a source of inspiration and a reminder of where I wanted to get to in life.’

 For Khumalo, the hard-earned Masters degree is one of her biggest achievements. ‘Considering where I come from, it is amazing to be finally where I am today. This is not just for me, but for my family and community who are major contributors to my success.’

Her study investigated the role played by horizontal philanthropy in alleviating the impacts of HIV/AIDS in rural areas. It assesses how community philanthropy through CBOs contributes to ameliorating the impacts of HIV/AIDS in the rural communities.

‘The study provides society with an understanding that giving and philanthropy form a large part of the South African tradition and culture. They also positively impact on society where their importance, especially in marginalised communities, has been overlooked,’ said Khumalo.

She believes the study will raise societal awareness that philanthropic practices are already entrenched within South African communities and could be acknowledged and built upon to ensure better social solidarity, development and sustainability, even in the case of HIV/AIDS.

The findings of her research show that in low-wealth communities, assistance or horizontal philanthropy among people is widespread, intensely rooted and works as an imperative component for survival, development and sustainability.

‘In these settings, horizontal philanthropy is part and parcel of the social fabric rather than random or disorganised.’  The research also suggested that horizontal philanthropy in all of its diversity has noteworthy effects on people’s lives. 

Khumalo received a Mott’s foundation Scholarship for her research and was awarded the College of Humanities Postgraduate bursary for tuition in 2013.

She is currently a Board member of the Isibani Educational Empowerment NPO and is involved in development projects and tutoring at rural schools in KwaZulu-Natal.