Empowering the future with Sembcorb Siza Water

It was a morning full of promise when four university students from the Ilembe district were awarded with bursaries from Sembcorb Siza Water last week.

The students, Akshay Durhapersdh from Shakaskraal, Pinky Ngubane from Shayamoya, Kerina Naiker from Etete and Kiara Birbal from Etete could barely contain their excitement after having the huge financial burden of tertiary education lifted from their families’ shoulders.

The cost of studying can range from R30 000 a semester, a luxury many cannot afford.

“On behalf of all bursary recipients, I would like to thank Sembcorp Siza Water for their support towards my studies. The company has enabled us to have the education we once dreamed about,” said Kiara Birbal, who received a bursary for her second year of studying at UKZN toward a physiotherapy degree.

“The bursaries are awarded based on the student’s school academic results and their household income.

“The bursary covers the cost of their studies for a year.

“They then have to re-apply the following year where we take a look at their academic performance before renewing their bursary,” said Sembcorp Siza Water public relations officer Khosi Mathenjwa.

Sembcorp Siza Water managing director Shyam Misra said in addition to the bursaries, the company would also allow the students to work at the Siza Water offices to get a taste of the the corporate environment.

“The aim of the fund is to ensure we empower our youth with skills so that they may then be able to realise their dreams through education. During the drought, we provided 12 permanent learnerships. One of the first beneficiaries of our bursary scheme is currently employed in our finance department. We try to retain students within the company and district to have a lasting local impact,” he said.

In addition to the financial assistance, the four students were delighted to meet the Ilembe mayor Sduduzo Gumede who motivated them to strive for excellent academic results.

“We need to work together to enhance the district through education. We hope that these students will make good use of this opportunity. We also need to help those on FET level to develop skills and work experience.”

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