From selling sweets to a brighter future for Rudolph Lekay
After many months of selling sweets at the Town Centre taxi rank, Rudolph Lekay has been awarded a full bursary on Thursday January 22 and internship by the Alfeco Foundation to study at Emeris University in Cape Town.
Image: Marsha Bothma
It was a full-circle moment for Rudolph Lekay when he was awarded a full bursary after years of selling sweets and chips at the Town Centre taxi rank.
On Thursday, January 22, Rudolph and his mother, Rosaline Lekay, affectionately known as Aunty Rose, met with executive members from the Alfeco Foundation to formally accept the bursary. As part of the award, Rudolph was also offered an internship and will work closely with the foundation throughout his studies.
Rudolph raised more than R10 000 by selling snacks at the taxi rank, not only to cover his matric and travel costs but also to support his family ("Rudolph Lekay's inspiring journey to his matric ball" Plainsman October 10 and "Morgenster matriculant raises R10K by selling sweets and pretzels" Plainsman June 20).
On Tuesday, January 13, Rudolph celebrated his matric bachelor’s pass, hoping to study business - little did he know that just a week later he would be awarded a bursary ("Celebrating Rudolph Lekay's journey to matric success through hard work and determination" Plainsman January 15).
From left are Sachin Ahuja, director of Alfeco Foundation, Rosaline Lekay, Rudolph’s mother, Rudolph Lekay and Suhani Ahuja, daughter of Sachin Ahuja at the handover on Thursday January 22.
Image: Marsha Bothma
The Alfeco Foundation, a branch of Alfeco Holdings, will fully fund his studies and provide an internship opportunity during university holidays, with the intention of absorbing him into the company after graduation.
Rudolph is set to begin his tertiary journey at Emeris University in Cape Town, where he will study towards a BCom degree in strategic management over three years.
Emeris is a new private higher education institution in South Africa, uniting Varsity College, Vega School, and MSA, and opened this year.
Alfeco director Sachin Ahuja said Rudolph’s story was deeply inspiring.
Rosaline Lekay with her son, Rudolph, as they celebrate his fully funded bursary and internship from the Alfeco Foundation on Thursday January 22.
Image: Marsha Bothma
“Despite all the adversity, he showed how effective someone can be. When we saw his journey, we knew we wanted to contribute towards improving his life. We hope he does well and eventually joins the Alfeco Group as one of our executives,” he said.
Mr Ahuja’s daughter, Suhani, who completed her matric last year and will study industrial engineering, said it was an honour to meet Rudolph.
“I am inspired by his grit and determination. I am so happy he received this opportunity to further his studies. He is bound to do great things,” she said.
Mr Ahuja said the foundation focuses on bursaries, sport and academic development, and provides daily meals to an orphanage, to mention a few. The foundation currently supports 150 bursary recipients and feeds more than 14 000 pupils in four provinces.
Rudolph said he was grateful for the opportunity.
“Many people overlook someone who is starting small, but they saw the future in me. I am thankful to everyone who ever bought sweets from me and showed love and support,” he said.
Aunty Rose said meeting the boss and his team from the Alfeco Foundation was life-changing.
“If I had ten thousand tongues, I would still not be able to thank God enough. I am so thankful that they came alongside Rudolph,” she said.
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