Bradley Gawie, CUT postgraduate student and Siyaphumelela DREAM scholarship recipient. 

Bradley Gawie, a postgraduate student in Agricultural Management at CUT, has achieved a significant milestone. He has been selected as one of only eight students globally to receive the prestigious Siyaphumelela DREAM scholarship. This global recognition places Bradley among a select group from over 300 institutions worldwide, including South Africa, the United States, Australia, and other countries.  

The Siyaphumelela Initiative, supported by the Kresge Foundation, aims to advance equity and improve student success in higher education. The scholarship offers Bradley a unique opportunity to attend a week-long conference in Philadelphia from 18 to 21 February 2025, where he will engage with international peers and experts in student success strategies. 

Bradley's commitment to student development is deeply rooted in his journey as a first-generation student. He overcame significant obstacles, including dropping out of university earlier in his academic career due to a lack of support structures. As a representative of CUT on the global stage, he aims to bring attention to the institution’s excellence and foster a culture of student-centred support.  

He served in various roles, such as peer mentor and academic advisor. At the 2024 Siyaphumelela Conference, he co-presented a paper titled "The Role of the Student Voice in Shaping Student Success: A Student Leader’s Perspective."  

Reflecting on the significance of the scholarship, Bradley emphasised that it represents not just his personal achievement but also an opportunity to further impact student success at CUT.  

"When I came here, I met the most amazing people who, from my first year until now, still rally behind me and continue to support me in my academic and professional endeavours," he said.