“I Was So Nervous”: Determined UCT Student Goes Door to Door to Raise Tuition Fees

• A university student named Atenkosi Mzilikazi shared that she went from door to door asking for donations for her studies
• The Bachelor of Social Science student also started a BackaBuddy campaign, where she hoped to reach her goal of R130 000
• Atenkosi documented her journey and shared her gratitude with those who provided a helping hand
• Briefly News contacted Atenkosi and her friend, who accompanied her, to ask about what her next plan was and how her journey affected her friend

Atenkosi Mzilikazi, a first-year student at the University of Cape Town, put her pride aside and bravely knocked on people's doors for financial assistance. The Bachelor of Social Science student is trying to raise R130 000 by collecting at least R10 from 13 000 people to pay for the following year's registration and residence fees.

On 14 December 2025, Atenkosi uploaded a video showing her journey, in which she arrived at the gates of homeowners with an explanation and faith. The young woman, accompanied by her friend, Mtha Samente, received a few R10s, with some generous donors giving more, which brought the student to tears.

Read also

Celebrities who went under the knife in 2025, from Nadia Nakai to Vuyokazi Nciweni

Atenkosi, who also has a BackaBuddy campaign running, noted that not having her school fees up to date meant zero access to her end-of-year transcript, a requirement for academic progression, and she faces the risk of academic exclusion.

In the caption of her video, the young Eastern Cape hustler said:

"What an emotional rollercoaster. I was so nervous about doing this, not knowing if anyone would stop, listen or care. But when I got my first R10, I knew I had to continue. My community showed me what Ubuntu really looks like. People who don't even know me chose to believe in my dream and donate to help me continue my education. I am genuinely overwhelmed with gratitude."

Mtha shared with Briefly News that when she heard about her friend's plan, she thought it was a great idea.

Nervous at first, Mtha said:

"As much as people might see it as something that should be embarrassing or should be ashamed of, I trusted that Jesus put that idea in her heart, and because I knew that it was Jesus, I went all in, basically walking in faith."

Read also

Sizwe Dhlomo hilariously responds to fan who dreamt about him: "It was a good dream"

What is the UCT student's backup plan?

Briefly News asked Atenkosi what her 'Plan B' was, and she stated that as a person who has faith in God's plan and promise, having a backup plan wasn't ideal. However, she would continue knocking on doors, both literally and figuratively.

Noting that she would stay committed to completing her studies, she added:

"I continue pursuing every possible opportunity available to me. This includes engaging with my institution, appealing through formal channels, applying for bursaries, and continuing to advocate for support through public platforms for myself and for other students in the same position."

Watch the TikTok video posted on Atenkosi's account below:

3 Other stories about fundraisers

• In another article, Briefly News reported that DJ Shimza helped Chymamusique reach his R200 000 BackaBuddy goal with a sizeable contribution.
• Influencer Mandisi Tshingana started a R2 million fundraiser campaign for Big Brother Mzansi runner-up Uyanda.
• Media personality Anele Mdoda was a guest at DJ Black Coffee's 49th birthday party, which doubled as a fundraiser for his music academy.

Source: Briefly News