By Pride Mhlongo
The Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD), in partnership with Student Village, recently hosted a Financial Literacy Talk at the University of Limpopo’s (UL) VL Dining Hall. The event aimed to empower students with essential financial skills to help them become financially savvy individuals.
Students from various faculties gathered to learn about key financial principles, including saving, investing, managing debt, and tracking personal expenses. The talk featured two esteemed guest speakers, Phuti Mphelo and Dr Mandy Sigauke shared expert advice on navigating financial challenges and making informed financial decisions.
Dr Mandy Sigauke shares some financial nuggets of wisdom with students.
As part of the university’s ongoing commitment to holistic student development, the initiative was designed to equip young people with practical tools for managing their personal finances effectively. The vibrant atmosphere in the hall reflected the students’ eagerness to engage, take notes, and ask thought-provoking questions throughout the session.
Karabo Chabalala, the organizer of the event from Student Village, emphasized the importance of financial education for young people.
“What we want students to take away is that financial literacy isn’t a difficult conversation,” she said. “It’s important to start learning while we’re still young and on campus, so we’re better prepared to manage money in the real world.”
Phuti Mphelo, a Chartered Accountant and business coach, opened the session with a thought-provoking question: “If you were standing in a queue to bet on the lotto and won R30 million, how would you use the money?”
She used this scenario to stress the importance of financial discipline, understanding credit, avoiding debt traps, and setting financial goals early in life. “The environment also plays a crucial role in financial literacy,” she noted.
In addition, Dr Mandy Sigauke, a business coach and image branding expert, brought energy and relatability to the stage.
“What they teach at university is not necessarily what is needed in real life,” she remarked, highlighting the need for real-world budgeting techniques tailored for students.
In a generous gesture, Dr Sigauke awarded bursaries to Phetolo Amazement Mokgotho, a third-year Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies student, and Kamogelo Moses Bambo, a fifth-year Bachelor of Laws student. “This bursary means so much to me,” said Mokgotho. “It’s not just financial relief, it’s motivation to keep pushing forward and make my dreams a reality.”
Two other students walked away with exciting prizes sponsored by Assupol. Munzhedzi Khumbela, an Honours Accounting student, received a Superbalist voucher, while Nkateko Mathebula, a second-year Information Studies student, won a brand-new laptop. “I was so shocked when they called my name,” said Mathebula. “This laptop is going to make my schoolwork so much easier. I’m beyond grateful.”
Students who won gifts from the interactive session through quizzes along side the facilitators.
Left to right: Mokgotho Phetolo won a Superbalist voucher, Nkateko Mathebula, won a laptop, Anna Mabina (CSCD), Alucia Ngobeni Munzhedzi Khumbelo, bursary winner, Kamogelo Bambo, bursary winner
Through this initiative, the CSCD and Student Village successfully highlighted the importance of financial literacy, encouraging students to make smarter financial decisions today for a secure tomorrow.
