Bazela Rivombo

Ruth First Scholar 2025-26

Bazela is from South Africa (Giyani, Limpopo province). She studied Social Sciences with Development Studies at North-West University, followed by BSc Hons in Population Studies at the University of the Western Cape. While at university she was involved in projects supporting fellow students and local communities: she was a junior facilitator and peer mentor, and a UNICEF South Africa NWU Mafikeng Campus Club volunteer. She participated in youth empowerment initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and community outreach projects focused on child rights, education and social development.

She has also shown leadership and initiative in the wider community, volunteering as a  community-led development facilitator for CorpsAfrica South Africa, and supporting youth development through mentorship and skills-building workshops.

At Durham Bazela took the Master of Data Science. She was a member of St Chad’s College, which supports the scholarship by providing subsidized accommodation for all.

She returned to South Africa in September 2026. She aims to “use the skills gained to develop data-driven strategies for poverty alleviation, urban planning and youth employment, critical areas that align with South Africa’s development priorities”.