Two Bachelor of Science in Engineering students, Mr Cayden Packreeappen and Mr James Koorbanally, as well as Bachelor of Science student, Mr Tayur Moodley, have received Pius Langa Scholarships as top-performing undergraduate entrants after excelling nationally in their examinations in their final year of school.
Choosing the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for the knowledge and practical skills he could gain there, Packreeappen has enjoyed its goal-oriented atmosphere. Fascinated with building and understanding how things work, Electrical Engineering gives him the chance to apply this to practical machines, inventions, and new technologies that revolutionise energy generation and use.
Balancing his studies with time with friends and family, Packreeappen plans to pursue postgraduate studies to expand his expertise and, one day, work in engineering research, applying his skills to energy solutions.
“This scholarship motivates me to make the most of the opportunity I’ve been given,” said Packreeappen of the award, which eases financial pressure so he can focus fully on his studies.
Packreeappen thanked his family, teachers, friends, and the scholarship funders for their support, which will enable him to make meaningful contributions to society.
Koorbanally, specialising in Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, chose the discipline because of his love of understanding how things work, fixing things and solving problems. UKZN was a natural choice because of its advanced engineering projects and student opportunities, particularly the development and launch of suborbital rockets by the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI).
The diverse University community and stimulating Engineering programme have been exciting for him, and he looks forward to exploring further opportunities throughout his degree.
The scholarship provides valuable financial support for Koorbanally’s studies while recognising his hard work, enabling him to focus fully on his education and pursue his goals in engineering. It has provided him with the motivation to continue excelling and make the most of opportunities.
He plays hockey, goes to the gym, and enjoys watching sport, which provide a diversion from his academic commitments. He also plays the piano, works on small electronics projects and spends time with friends to unwind.
Koorbanally’s enjoyment of hands-on work and fascination with machines, cars, planes, and robotics, as well as his interest in international technological advances, have inspired him to explore what engineers can achieve. He hopes to pursue a career in robotics and automation and is considering further study to develop his skills in electronics, problem-solving and technology. Ultimately, he hopes to use these skills to develop solutions to real-world challenges.
He thanked his family, friends, teachers and professors for their encouragement, support and belief in him.
Moodley attended Crawford International North Coast, where he was actively involved in sport, representing the school’s first teams in squash and basketball, captaining the first-team chess squad and serving as a house captain. He also participated in the Mathematics, English and Afrikaans Olympiads and reached the final round of the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa 2025 Mathematics Challenge.
Choosing UKZN allowed him to remain close to his family while pursuing his studies, something he values greatly. He has particularly enjoyed the independence the University offers, appreciating the opportunity to manage his own time and take responsibility for his studies. He maintains a healthy balance between academic and personal life by watching sport, going to the gym and spending time with loved ones.
His interest in Computer Science and Information Technology stems from his enjoyment of coding, problem-solving and building systems, as well as his belief in the potential of technology and artificial intelligence to shape a better future. “I find it exciting to see an idea develop into something functional,” he said.
Moodley hopes to use his skills to develop solutions that have a positive impact on people’s lives. His immediate goal is to complete his undergraduate degree and establish a strong foundation in Computer Science and Information Technology before gaining experience and deciding whether to pursue postgraduate studies. He is particularly interested in future opportunities in cybersecurity and healthcare-related technology and hopes to attend international conferences to gain new perspectives and inspiration.
The scholarship represents both recognition and financial relief. He views it as a sign of UKZN’s confidence in his abilities and is motivated to justify that confidence through his achievements. He is especially grateful that it eases the financial burden on his parents, whose sacrifices have supported his education.
Moodley credits his parents, wider family and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout his academic journey, saying their belief in him has helped him get to where he is today.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
