By Frederick Philander WINDHOEK “Because of our firm’s striving to strike a balance in the number of white and black legal practitioners in the country, we have set out to identify, groom and financially support a black student of merit for studies in the field.” This was said by well known lawyer, Shakespeare Masiza, on Wednesday morning when he announced his commercial firm’s first bursary for legal studies to a St Paul’s College student, Shimue Benjamin Mbudje, a Grade 12 learner. More than 100 applicants were received nation wide by his company, Ellis & Partners, for the bursary valued at more than N$250 000 over the next five years. “We found the best among equals at St Paul’s College for studies as from 2007 … in Shimue Benjamin Mbudje,” Masiza said to great applause of those present witnessing the announcement and the handing over ceremony in the college’s hall. Present at the occasion were college principal, Rob Church, some teachers and Grade 11 and 12 learners. According to Masiza, Mbudje is to take up his legal studies next year at the University of Pretoria.