KATHU SOLAR PARK’S BURSARY PROGRAMME EXPANDS FOR 2025: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

John Taolo Gaetsewe District, September 2024

Kathu Solar Park is pleased to announce that applications for its Bursary Programme are now open for the 2025 academic year. Established in 2022, the programme aims to expand access to higher education for young people in the John Taolo Gaetsewe district municipal area. Since its inception, the programme has steadily grown, increasing the number of bursaries awarded, having already supported over 40 students.

Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, Economic Development Manager for Kathu Solar Park, commented, “We are proud to see the growth of our programme, which reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in our community. By increasing the number of bursaries each year, we are empowering more young people to gain the skills and qualifications needed to participate meaningfully in the economy.”

The Bursary Programme provides comprehensive support to local students, covering tuition fees, accommodation, books, travel expenses, data, and laptops. In addition to financial aid, students benefit from ongoing mentoring, study coaching, and a psycho-social support programme that focuses on developing soft skills and resilience. This holistic approach ensures that students can transition smoothly from school to university and thrive academically.

Mntonintshi, added, “Our bursary programme is more than just financial support; it is about developing the whole student. We are committed to empowering our local youth with opportunities that enable them to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”

With five beneficiaries already having graduated, the programme currently supports 15 students in 2024. Kathu Solar Park is also exploring opportunities to expand the number of bursaries available in the coming years.

Two current beneficiaries have highlighted the impact of the programme on their educational journeys. Gofaone Vincent Mongale, a 25-year-old from Kuruman, who is expected to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting this year, said, “The Kathu Solar Park Bursary Programme has been a tremendous financial help, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies without the burden of student debt. This support brings me closer to my goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant and helping businesses in my community thrive.”

Similarly, Maipelo Happiness Mmereki, a 20-year-old student also from Kuruman, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Geology and is set to graduate in 2026. She remarked, “The bursary is helping me pursue my dream because it offers all the support that a student needs to achieve their goals. It’s not just about financial assistance; it’s also about the mental and emotional support that helps me stay focused and motivated.”

The programme supports students from the local communities of Kuruman, Kathu, Deben and surrounds] and is open to South African citizens enrolled in full-time studies at public or accredited private tertiary institutions. There are no restrictions on fields of study, enabling students to pursue a diverse range of careers. Applications are open until 31 October 2024. To apply, visit https://studytrust.org.za/kathu-solar-park/.