Born and raised in the township of eMbali in Pietermaritzburg, 23-year-old Ntando Dube credits her remarkable academic journey to a combination of hard work, determination, and the power of representation.

From the age of 10, her intellectual prowess began to shine, earning her a series of scholarships that have ultimately led her to achieve the prestigious KwaZulu-Natal Rhodes Scholarship for 2026. Dube’s story serves not only as a testament to personal ambition but as a beacon of hope for many children in her community.

The Rhodes Scholarship, a global graduate programme at Oxford University, is not merely an academic accolade for Dube; it represents a deeply personal journey that highlights her commitment to changing narratives. “When you’re in a place like this, you’re often one of the few who understand the realities of life for South Africans who don’t belong to the top 1%,” she reflected.

“This scholarship shows that your background doesn’t determine your future if you’re willing to work hard.”

Her impressive academic record began with achievements in both the humanities and STEM subjects. Dube excelled as Head Girl at St John’s Diocesan School for Girls and later graduated cum laude in Actuarial and Financial Mathematics from the University of Pretoria (UP). Recognised for her merit, she received the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Merit Award and postgraduate merit award from the Department of Actuarial Sciences.

The path to her current academic aspirations was not without its challenges. An unexpected opportunity arose when her mother enrolled her in a Liberty programme aimed at young mathematicians interested in actuarial science. Initially reluctant, she was swept up in this new world, realising the significance of representation in fields lacking diversity. “I realised that the scarcity of black women in this industry wasn’t due to lack of skill but rather a lack of visibility,” Dube said. Motivated by the comments of her male peers who underestimated her capabilities, she resolved to excel in the field, making a vow to prove doubters wrong.

Her academic accomplishments were complemented by invaluable internships, including experiences at Merrill Lynch South Africa and the Harvard Business School Africa Research Centre.

“During my time at the research centre, it struck me that we often view Africa through a deficit lens, overlooking its potential,” she said. “I became motivated to frame Africa’s stories differently, highlighting innovation and resilience in industries like the taxi economy, which is essential to our social fabric.”

This desire to amplify Africa’s narrative fuels Dube’s ambition to pursue African Studies at Oxford. She aims to contribute fresh perspectives on issues of equity and economics, challenging prevailing narratives about the continent. “Africa is resilient. Our economies have faced challenges that could topple others, yet we continue to persevere,” she affirmed.

In her current role as an actuarial associate at Ernst & Young, Dube is thriving in a dynamic environment where her input is valued. “My experience at Ernst & Young has been energising. I’m learning and seeing so much in just ten months,” she said, emphasising the supportive culture of her team.

“Being able to ask questions freely and being involved in meaningful projects is not something you expect at a big firm, and it’s refreshing.”

Dube’s journey underscores what is possible when ambition meets opportunity; it reminds us that the path to success can be navigated regardless of one’s beginnings. As she prepares for her upcoming studies at Oxford, she carries with her the hopes of many, aiming to inspire future generations to look beyond their circumstances and strive for greatness.

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