FOLLOW UP – Metro responds to bursary query
“Youth, according to the National Youth Policy, is defined as any person between the ages of 14 and 35.”
Springs – Metro responds to ‘Marikana mom (37) told she’s too old for metro bursary’ story.
In last week’s issue (page three), Busi Mtshali claimed that her bursary was unfairly retracted because of her age.
The third-year LLB student applied for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Community Bursary in 2017 for the 2018 academic year.
Read the original story here: Marikana mom (37) told shes too old for bursary
Themba Gabede, City of Ekurhuleni spiokesperson, says the Economic Development Department acknowledged receipt of Mtshali’s bursary application for 2018 academic year.
“The following is the prequalification process that happens after receiving the bursary application:
information on the application is recorded; performance of the learner assessed; household income verified and cross-referenced; results checked and achievement/marks scored; Those that receive high score are invited to the induction for vetting and verification of documents.
“If all conditions are met, the candidate is awarded a contract and a confirmation letter signed by the chairperson of the bursary committee.”
He says in the case of Mtshali, the information on the application form was found to comply with the selection criteria, hence she was prequalified due to her scores.
She was then invited to the induction for the purpose of submitting documents and finalising the vetting process.
“The bursary programme is intended to assist young people who are academically deserving and are committed to finishing their studies.
“Youth, according to the National Youth Policy, is defined as any person between the ages of 14 and 35.
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“The fact that she is outside the youth age bracket disqualified her from Ekurhuleni community bursary scheme.”
He says in this regard she was not given any official communication or correspondence indicating that she was awarded a bursary.
“A standard practice is that an applicant will receive an official confirmation letter signed by the chairperson of the bursary committee.
“Therefore, a bursary was not retracted as it was never awarded.”
On 23 February, he adds, an official letter was issued to inform her that her application was unsuccessful and she was advised to apply for the Community Discretionary Bursary.
