Full bursary for top Tembisa learner

The City of Ekurhuleni has awarded Jessica Sehlabelo a full bursary to study for the career of her choice, kick-starting a bright future for the Tembisa achiever and making her family proud.

Asked how she felt, having had concerns about financial constrains at home, Jessica said she was very thankful to the City of Ekurhuleni for giving her the opportunity to pursue her dream career.

Jessica’s mother, Ouma Sehlabelo, said she was elated and relieved that her daughter is going to study despite the financial situation at home.

On January 24, 220 learners who excelled in their 2017 matric exams were announced as the beneficiaries of a bursary scheme that will cover their full registration fees, examination fees, tuition materials, prescribed textbooks, accommodation and other related expenses, subject to approval by the city’s bursary committee.

Speaking at the annual Academic Excellence Award Ceremony at Emperors Palace, Ekurhuleni’s executive mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina, said the matric achievers had made the city proud. “It is precisely your victory against all odds that makes today’s event a special one,” he said.

“We commend all of you for a job well done and encourage you to maintain your spirit of hard work, dedication and commitment.”

Referring to the government’s recent announcement of free tertiary education for students from poor backgrounds, the mayor said it was great that in this lifetime no academically deserving student would be denied a chance at education because of their family circumstances.

The mayor further noted that his administration has increased the city’s bursary fund from R10-million to R100-million, and that they are still committed to laying the groundwork for the establishment of the city’s first university. This, coupled with the announcement of free education for all poor students, will surely open wide the gates of leaning.

“This will turn the tide against poverty, underdevelopment and low quality of life amongst our people,” Masina said.

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe said the city’s new bursary intake adds to over 1 000 learners who are still pursuing their studies through its bursary scheme and over 2 000 learners who are on the Ekurhuleni experiential training programme.

“The bursary scheme provides financial assistance to deserving, academically gifted and needy learners to pursue their careers of choice,” explained Gadebe.