Briefing journalists after delivering the Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture in Cape Town on Saturday, President Bachelet said the awarding of the scholarships would be done in honour of the late President.

The President said Tata, who affectionately became known by his clan name Madiba, was her role model growing up.

“[President] Nelson Mandela has been a leader who inspired me all of my life. So for me, this is very special.

“But also, as I said in the lecture, he has taught us so much. I have learnt so much from him…

“So that is why … in 2015, we are going to have 50 Nelson Mandela scholarships … to go study at the University of Chile,” she said.

She said that upon approval by the Chilean Congress, the scholarships would fund deserving students who want to pursue master’s degrees in the fields of farming, mining and astronomy, among others.

Available: http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/chilean-president-announces-new-mandela-scholarships