Dear Axium, Thank You for Seeing My Potential

Youth Month holds a special place in South Africa’s history. It’s a moment to honour the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead with hope. As we remember the bravery of the young people who stood up for justice in 1976, we also celebrate the strength, determination, and potential of today’s youth.

For those of us who’ve been part of Axium, this month is also a personal reminder of how far we’ve come. I’m proud to be part of that story. It’s also a time to say thank you to Axium, and to all the people who believed in me before I believed in myself.

My name is Alungile Qwebevu, and I’m an Axium alumni. I come from a rural village where the idea of going to university in the city felt impossible. I didn’t know anyone who had done it, and I didn’t know where to start. But you, Axium, walked that road with me.

You supported me with the practical stuff like helping me understand the application process, prepare for university life, and develop the communication and study skills I’d need. But what I’m most grateful for is how you've helped me grow as a person. You gave me the confidence to show up in new spaces without leaving behind who I am or where I come from.

The move from a rural school to an urban university was tough. Everything felt new. But having a community like Axium in my corner made all the difference. I always knew there were people who saw me, who understood my story, and who were rooting for me.

Now, I’m proud to say that I’m part of a university community. I’m studying, growing, and learning more every day, not just about my course, but about myself and the world around me. And while I’ve moved from rural to urban, I haven’t let go of where I started. In fact, it’s what keeps me grounded.

axium alumni

To all the young people in our Axium family, those still in school, those working, those trying something new, I see you. This Youth Month is for all of us. Keep asking questions. Keep learning. Keep showing up, even when it’s hard. You are not alone.

"Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind." – Samuel Ullman

With love and gratitude

Alungile Qwebevu

Axium Alumni, Class of 2021