Education is a powerful tool for personal growth, and the Letsatsi Borutho Trust is a shining example of how community-driven initiatives can change lives. This bursary programme, managed by StudyTrust, aims to provide financial assistance to individuals within the vicinity of the Droogfontein Solar Power plant.
By supporting the educational aspirations of students, the Trust ensures that more people in the community have the opportunity to pursue higher education and training, setting them on a path to success.
A Community-Centered Approach to Empowerment
The Letsatsi Borutho Trust was established with a clear mission: to empower individuals living within a 50-kilometre radius of the Droogfontein Solar Power plant. As the plant’s shareholders, the Trust is committed to reinvesting the benefits it receives into the surrounding communities. Through its bursary programme, the Trust helps deserving students realise their dreams of higher education, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The Trust’s dedication to the community is evident in its approach to education. The bursary programme is designed to create equal opportunities for individuals to gain qualifications, whether through technical, vocational, or academic paths. By funding education, the Trust plays a critical role in improving the lives of individuals while uplifting entire communities.
Bursary Programme Overview
The Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary Programme provides an excellent opportunity for individuals who are out of school and seeking to further their education at South African tertiary institutions. This includes both public and private TVET colleges, universities of technology, and academic universities. Whether students are pursuing degrees, national diplomas, or technical skills training, the bursary programme offers financial assistance that makes further education accessible to those who need it most.
The bursary can be used to cover various study-related expenses, such as:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Examination fees
- Accommodation costs (in a tertiary residence or similar facilities)
- Meals
- Learning materials, including textbooks and stationery
Who Can Apply for the Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary?
The bursary is open to South African citizens who meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Applicants must reside within 50 kilometres of the Droogfontein Solar Power plant.
- Institutional Acceptance: Individuals must have been accepted into a recognised South African tertiary education or training institution, whether it is a public or private university, TVET college, or a university of technology.
- Previous Academic Qualifications: Those who have completed their National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Technical Certificate (NTC) in previous years are also eligible to apply. This allows individuals who may have completed their schooling some time ago to access financial support to further their education.
In addition to these general eligibility requirements, applicants must submit a fully completed application form, along with the necessary supporting documents. Only applications that meet all criteria will be considered for the bursary.
Selection Criteria: Academic Performance and Financial Need
The Letsatsi Borutho Trust bursary programme uses two main criteria to select successful applicants: academic performance and financial need.
- Academic Performance:
- Selection is based on the applicant’s academic results, including their Grade 12 (Matric) prelim/final results or the highest grade they have completed. Those wishing to pursue a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 6 qualification, which includes both technical and skills training, as well as national diploma and degree programmes, are encouraged to apply.
- Financial Need:
- The bursary is intended for students who demonstrate a genuine financial need. Applicants must be able to show that they do not have sufficient financial resources to continue their studies without external assistance. This ensures that the bursary reaches those who will benefit most from the support.
The combination of these two criteria ensures that deserving students who have the academic potential to succeed but lack the financial means to continue their education can still pursue their goals.
How to Apply for the Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary
Interested individuals must submit their applications through StudyTrust’s online platform. The online application system is user-friendly and designed to streamline the application process. It is important to carefully read all instructions on the Bursary Applications page before beginning the application.
Once the application is complete, applicants are required to submit it along with all necessary supporting documents. The completed application forms should be sent to the following:
- Email: b.ndlovu@studytrust.org.za
- Postal Address: Tlhokomelo Centre, 776 corners of Lecholo and Matanzima roads, Kimberley
Application Season and Deadlines
Applications for the Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary Programme are accepted annually, with the application season running from 1 May to 31 October. Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications as early as possible to ensure that they meet the deadline. Late submissions are not considered.
It is essential for applicants to ensure that all documents are correctly completed and submitted, as incomplete applications may be disqualified. The bursary programme’s selection process is highly competitive, and the Trust encourages all potential applicants to give their best effort when completing their applications.
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The Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary Programme represents more than just financial assistance; it embodies hope and opportunity for young people in the communities surrounding the Droogfontein Solar Power plant. By offering these bursaries, the Trust is helping to shape a brighter future for individuals who are passionate about furthering their education but may not have the financial means to do so. This initiative not only supports the education of young people but also strengthens the community as a whole, creating a cycle of empowerment and progress that benefits everyone.
For those who meet the eligibility criteria, this bursary programme offers a valuable opportunity to further their education, gain new skills, and contribute to the development of South Africa’s economy. By investing in people, the Letsatsi Borutho Trust is fostering long-term positive change in the lives of individuals and the communities they belong to.