Sub-Saharan Africa now accounts for 60% of applications to the global scholarship programme, as two new South African recipients prepare to join Inspired schools in 2027
Two young South Africans have been named as the country’s newest Nsouli Scholars following a record year for the global scholarship programme, which has seen applications from Sub-Saharan Africa increase by 574% since its launch.
Lethabo Bosoga has been accepted at Reddford House Blue Hills and Mihle Radebe at Reddam House Waterfall. They are among 12 young people globally awarded fully funded Nsouli Scholarships for the 2026/27 cohort and will join their respective South African schools in 2027.
Inspired Education received 1,428 applications from 95 nationalities this year, up 353% since the programme launched in 2024. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the strongest growth, with applications rising from 128 in the inaugural year to 863 this year – 60% of all applications globally.
The Nsouli Scholars Programme, founded by Nadim M. Nsouli, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Inspired Education, provides fully funded places to exceptional young people who demonstrate financial need alongside outstanding academic ability, leadership potential or excellence in sport or the arts.
Commenting on the growth of the programme, Nsouli says: “We have seen increasing numbers of applications from Africa and the Middle East, where ambitious young people are seeking opportunities to fulfil their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities. The remarkable growth in applications reflects the aspirations of young people and families who recognise the transformative power of education.”
Ravi Nadasen, CEO of Inspired Africa, says the selection of Lethabo and Mihle brings that global story home. “Talent is everywhere; opportunity is not always. The extraordinary growth in applications from Sub-Saharan Africa is a powerful reminder of the ambition and potential of young people across our region, and of what can happen when that potential is met with genuine opportunity. I am immensely proud to welcome Lethabo and Mihle as Nsouli Scholars. This is a remarkable achievement, and I hope they embrace everything the experience offers, make it their own and, in time, inspire other young people to believe in what is possible for them too.”
Finding a place to belong
For two South African scholars who joined the programme this year, the experience offers a glimpse of what awaits the newest recipients.
Zumnandi Mofomme, a Grade 10 boarder at Reddam House Helderfontein, admits she initially worried about finding her place at a new school. “At first I was worried that I’d struggle with finding my place at Reddam House, but I was welcomed with open arms from the beginning,” she says.
School camp helped Zumnandi form friendships with her classmates, while boarding has been very different from what she expected. “Boarding school has felt more like a family than a system. Although I expected it to be highly structured and strict, I have found a strong sense of community and formed friendships that make boarding feel like a second home.”
Grade 8 student Abongwe Mofokeng, who joined Reddford House Northcliff as a boarder this year, has also found himself trying things he had never experienced before. His first year has included his first-ever school camp, athletics, rugby, the inter-house gala and taking a main role in the school production. “Being part of the school production has definitely been one of my favourite experiences, especially having a main role,” he says. “It has challenged me in ways I hadn’t expected and helped me become much more confident.”
He has also been struck by the approach to learning at his new school. “The teachers genuinely want you to do well. They encourage you to ask questions and think for yourself rather than simply memorise information,” he says.
Where opportunity can lead
Returning Nsouli Scholars Zuri Conroy of Reddam House Constantia and Mackenzie Mackay of Reddam House Bedfordview offer a longer-term view of what the opportunity can make possible.
For Zuri, a keen water polo player who has been selected for the Western Province water polo teams as a goalkeeper, the scholarship has opened doors both in and out of the classroom. “I have had the opportunity to attend Reddam House, meet people I never would have met otherwise and be part of an environment that constantly pushes me to improve,” she says.
Zuri credits Reddam House’s water polo programme with helping her develop as a player, while the wider school experience has strengthened her confidence, independence and leadership skills. “Academically, Reddam has taught me to push myself and not just be satisfied with doing well. I have become more organised and more willing to challenge myself when something is difficult.”
Mackenzie has similarly combined her academics with competitive acrobatic gymnastics and recently represented South Africa at the FIG World Youth Competition for Acrobatic Gymnastics with her trio. “Being an Nsouli Scholar allows me to focus on gymnastics at the same time as schoolwork, which has helped me to perform better in both aspects,” says Mackenzie, who has also seen her academic performance improve. “My marks have improved, along with my determination to study and work hard.”
Mackenzie says she has also become increasingly aware of her capacity to lead, with every group project teaching her skills she believes she will need as a leader at school and later in her working life.
For young people considering following in their footsteps, the scholars’ message is to take the chance. “Trust yourself and just do it,” says Zumnandi. “It’s an excellent opportunity and opens you up to a world of new experiences.”
Abongwe agrees: “Starting at a new school can feel scary, but don’t let that stop you. If you’re willing to work hard and make the most of every opportunity, it really can be a life-changing experience.”
Mackenzie has similar advice: “If you are thinking about applying, I would say go for it, even if you feel nervous. Be yourself in the interview and speak about the things you love doing. You have already worked hard to get this far, so be proud of yourself and give it your best.” For Lethabo Bosoga and Mihle Radebe, that journey begins in 2027.
