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Sandown resident Kaylee Lekoape wins prestigious hospitality bursary
A resident of Sandown, Kaylee Lekoape, is over the moon after receiving life-changing news.
She has recently been awarded a year-long bursary to pursue a career in hospitality, thanks to a competition organised by Jozi’s hottest radio station, HOT FM, and The IIE School of Hospitality and Service Management (IIE HSM).
Lekoape was one of three lucky recipients of the coveted bursary.
“I instantly cried when I heard the news; it felt like God himself was assuring me that all my dreams would come true,” she shared with a mix of joy and relief.
She added that his scholarship has changed her life.
“From here on, it’s an upward trajectory with no looking back. My days of struggle and uncertainty about the future are over.”
The bursary, valued at almost R55 000, covers the cost of textbooks, uniforms, and tuition for a Hospitality Higher Certification course at IIE HSM’s Rosebank campus.
Lekoape began her studies on July 31, and her family could not be prouder.
“My grandmother was incredibly proud of me, especially for not giving up hope that things would turn around. She always told me to keep praying and trust that God has a plan.”
Driven by a passion for service and effective leadership, Lekoape has always found joy in creating spaces where people feel comfortable and happy.
“It is incredibly rewarding to spread joy and contribute to people’s memories in the best way possible,” she explained.
Before starting college, Lekoape had been job hunting for the past four months, having left her previous job where she felt unfulfilled and stagnant.
“My goal this year was to secure a job that would allow me to pay for school because I’ve been wanting to go back to school since 2020,” she revealed.
With her immediate goal now achieved, Lekoape is setting her sights on the future.
She plans to further her studies and obtain a bachelor’s degree from IIE HSM, with aspirations of taking on senior roles in the hospitality industry. Ultimately, she dreams of establishing a successful hotel chain.
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